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MINERAL SPRINGS 



WESTERN VIRGINIA, 




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THE 

MINERAL SPRINGS 

OF 

WESTERN VIRGINIA; 

WITH 

REMARKS ON THEIR USE. 

AND THE 

DISEASES TO WHICH THEY ARE APPLICABLE. 
THE SECOND EDITION, 

REVISED. CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED. 
TO WHICH ARE ADDED A 

NOTICE OP THE FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 

AND A CHAPTER ON TAVERNS. 

ALSO, 

A REVIEW OF A PAMPHLET PUBLISHED BY DR. J. J. MOORMAN. 

EY WILLIAM BURKE. 



" Quern via ut hoc mallem de iis qui essent idonei suscipere quam me : 
me quam neminem."— Cicero. 



NEW YORK: 
WILEY AND PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY. 

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9218 

Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by 

WILEY AND PUTNAM, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District 
of New- York. 




1010 

, WASH IN 

CONTENTS. QS 



Introduction page 7 

General Remarks 12 

Dyspepsia 32 

Aliment 37 

Treatment 40 

Mineral Waters 44 

Warm Springs 51 

Hot Springs 76 

Sweet Springs 1 03 

Red-Sweet Springs 109 

TV Sk-r 112 

sulphur Springs 128 

^.ed Sulphur Springs 184 

Hayes' Analysis of the Red Sulphur 188 

Phthisis 219 

Is Consumption curable 7 227 

Dr. Huntt on the Red Sulphur k 246 

Laryngitis 295 

Bronchitis 302 

Hypertrophy of the Heart 308 

Kidneys and Bladder 310 

Uterus 313 

Diseases of the Liver 315 

Chronic Diarrhoea 318 

Salt Sulphur Springs 325 

Professor Rogers' Analysis of the Salt Sulphur 354 

Blue Sulphur Springs 358 

Daggers', or Dibrell's Springs 365 

Alum Springs 368 

Fauquier White Sulphur Springs 374 

Taverns 386 



INTRODUCTION. 



The writer sincerely wishes that some 
more competent person had undertaken the 
task which he proposes to himself in the fol- 
lowing pages. As it is the opinion of many 
of his friends, however, that his position has 
given him advantages for observation of the 
properties and correct application of the Vir- 
ginia Springs, which few have possessed, and 
those friends have urged him to lay those 
views before the Public, he will essay to treat 
the subject in as clear, impartial, and common 
sense a manner, as his capacity will admit. 
The writer will neither wilfully exaggerate, 
nor aught set down in malice ; nor will h* 
make any statement of facts, of the truth o v 
which he is not personally assured, either e 
his own knowledge, or on information derive * 
from sources worthy of credit. His opinions 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

on many points may possibly be controverted, 
and will, of course, receive just that amount 
of attention to which the reader may deem 
them entitled ; but they are honestly enter- 
tained, and will be freely and candidly ex- 
pressed, without prejudice or prepossession, 
and with becoming diffidence. 

There are detached accounts of several oi 
the Virginia Springs, which have been ex- 
tremely useful in directing public attention to 
those valuable agents ; but there is no work 
that treats of them as a group, except, perhaps, 
the very valuable work of " Bell on Baths and 
Mineral Waters," some facetious epistles in- 
dited by " Peregrine Prolix," and a brief notice 
of each Spring by Col. T. H. Perkins of Bos- 
ton, in his Introduction to the pamphlet on 
the Red Sulphur Springs by Dr. Huntt, of 
which, with characteristic benevolence, he 
caused two thousand copies to be printed at 
his own expense, and circulated at the North. 
On no subject is there, indeed^ greater igno- 
rance, whether as regards the distinguishing 
characteristic of each Spring, its properties 
and proper use, or as regards the accommo 
dations and other subjects of inquiry. In 



INTRODUCTION. \) 

most cases, the visiter leaves a distant home 
either for the "Virginia Springs."' or some 
particular Spring ; but in either case with very 
indefinite ideas about them. He very natu- 
rally supposes that, when he gets into their 
vicinity, he will be enabled to procure all the 
information he desires : but here, alas ! he is 
doomed to disappointment ; and he will be 
fortunate if he be not made the dupe of some 
designing knave, who is interested in mislead- 
ing him. by exaggerated commendations of 
some particular establishment, or by injurious 
and false statements with regard to others. 
Misrepresentation seems reduced to a system, 
and reports are set afloat, which, though often 
evidently absurd, gain credence for the time, 
and answer all the purposes of the unprincipled 
propagators. This partisan warfare is carried 
on. not by the proprietors, who are too respect- 
able and intelligent to pursue so impolitic and 
unwarrantable a course, but by underlings and 
loafers, who are irresponsible, and utterly re- 
gardless of the consequences of their impos- 
ture. 

Xor can the stranger always rely on the 
professional advice which is so freely obtruded 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

upon him. We have known invalids persuaded 
to submit themselves to a course of medical 
treatment by boasting promises of cure, and 
who absolutely have not been permitted to 
touch that for which they came hundreds of 
miles ; but have been blistered and cupped, 
and leeched, and depleted both of circulating 
fluids and circulating medium. These re- 
marks are made not with a view of affecting 
the character of any individual, but as an act 
of justice to the stranger, who may thereby be 
induced to make a more strict inquiry before 
he commits himself to the advice and direc- 
tions of a man who may either be incompe- 
tent or unprincipled. 

There may be in other states and nations 
mineral waters analogous to most of those in 
Western Virginia ; but they are usually " few 
and far between ; •' and it may be asserted, that 
in no section of the civilized globe is there 
such a variety in the same space. They may 
and will be temporarily depressed by the uni- 
versal declension of prosperity ; but should 
that prosperity again revive, and the legisla- 
ture prove alive to the true interests of the 
State, and connect the different Springs with 



INTRODUCTION. 11 

each other, and with the James River improve- 
ment, by fine macadamized roads, and extend 
those roads to the boundaries of Tennessee 
and Southern Kentucky, and also to Guyan- 
dotte and Parkersburg, those Springs will not 
only become intrinsically of immense value, 
but it is difficult to estimate the increase of 
revenue and wealth which that portion of the 
State, now comparatively unprofitable, will 
produce. Many years will not have elapsed 
before England and France will annually send 
multitudes of invalids to those unrivalled foun- 
tains, and we shall see those beautiful valleys 
teeming with living beings from every quarter 
of the globe. They only want to be known 
to be appreciated, and it is scarcely possible 
that some man of capability and reputation 
will not illustrate their superiority, and attract 
to them universal attention. The ambition 
of the writer moves within a more circum- 
scribed sphere. If a solitary individual, whose 
eye may rest on these pages, shall chance to 
bless his labours, they will be amply compen- 
sated. 



CHAPTER I. 

Among the numerous advantages bestowed 
on Virginia by a bountiful Providence, there 
are perhaps none more important than the 
salubrity of climate and rich profusion of 
mineral waters of its transmontane territory. 
The happy combinations of these blessings, 
added to its central position, will not only 
make Western Virginia the great Mecca of 
invalid pilgrims, but its pellucid fountains, its 
beautiful villas, its secluded glens and majes- 
tic mountains, and the rich drapery of its 
noble forests, will ever attract to it the ad- 
mirers of Nature's own workmanship. 

England has her Bath, France her Aix la 
Chapelle, and New- York her Saratoga — places 
of fashionable resort, that present varied at- 
tractions to the fancies of those who live for 
admiration and the excitements attendant on 
dissipation ; but they want that calm repose, 
that freedom from restraint, that omission of 
conventional usages, which render the society 



GENERAL REMARKS. 13 

of our Virginia Springs so delightful. Who 
would not rather luxuriate in imagination 
with the inimitable Scott round the copse- 
grown precincts of St. Ronan's Well, and 
contemplate at leisure the various phases and 
eccentricities of human character, portrayed 
in this, amongjst the most graphic of his crea- 
tions : or even repose with Frank Tyrrel, for 
a season, at the solitary manse of the Cleikum, 
enjoying the comfortable housewifery of the 
notable Mrs. Dods, than engage in the routine 
of follies and absurd ceremonies which con- 
stitute the pleasures of a fashionable water- 
ing-place ? 

Whensoever the whiz of the steam-engine 
shall have invaded the solitary grandeur of 
our mountain defiles, then will the charms of 
our scenery and society deteriorate under the 
ruthless hands of a utilitarian generation. 
The luxuries and conveniences of the present 
age have introduced among us diseases to 
which former ages were strangers : and had 
not the science of medicine fortunately kept 
pace with our progress in degeneracy, the 
havoc of the destroyer would have been fright- 
ful. But there is a vast proportion of human 
2 



14 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

maladies beyond the reach of medical skill, 
and to which Nature alone, that kindest and 
most beneficent physician, can administer 
relief. 

It is in this condition that Mineral Springs 
are sought after, and in which it becomes 
desirable to the invalid to know whither he 
must direct his course to effect the object he 
has in view. The Springs of Western Vir- 
ginia form a group unrivalled in this, and 
perhaps in any other country. Great and 
acknowledged, however, as is their power 
over disease, they would be shorn of much of 
their virtue, had Nature placed them in less 
favourable situations. Had they all been 
congregated in the city of New- York, it is 
doubtful whether they would sustain their 
present reputation. There is much truth in 
the following remarks of Sir Walter Scott : — 
■" The invalid often finds relief from his com- 
plaints, less from the healing virtues of the 
Spa itself, than because his system of ordinary 
life undergoes an entire change ; in his being 
removed from his leger and account books — 
from his legal folios and progresses of title 
leeds — from his counters and shelves, from 



GENERAL REMARKS. 15 

whatever else forms the main course of his 
constant anxiety at home, destroys his appe- 
tite, mars the custom of his exercise, deranges 
the digestive powers, and clogs the springs of 
life." Who would look for a riddance from 
his ailments in the murky atmosphere and 
crowded streets of a city ? It is the sweet 
country alone that can invigorate the ener- 
vated constitution, raise the drooping spirits, 
calm the agitated mind, inspire the finer emo- 
tions of the heart, and impart elasticity and 
strength to the moral and physical powers. 

The citizen, like a boy let loose from school, 
rambles over the fields, ascends the hills, culls 
wild flowers, and is filled with admiration, 
pleasure, and cheerfulness. The manner of 
travelling, too, has much to do with the suc- 
cess of his efforts to recover health. Steam- 
boats and railroads have indeed greatly ex- 
pedited locomotion ; but like all labour-saving 
machinery, it is doubtful whether they have 
added much to the sum of comfort, security, 
or happiness. Suppose a dyspeptic to start 
from Boston for Winchester in Virginia, what 
possible advantage can he derive from these 
seven hundred miles of travel ? He gains 



16 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

nothing by change of air, for he is all the time 
inhaling the unwholesome atmosphere of a 
crowded vehicle. The velocity of motion 
precludes his enjoying the successions of 
scenery, and he reaches the end of his journey 
moody, selfish, and discontented ; but now 
arrived in the garden spot of Virginia, he de- 
sires to proceed to the Springs, he enters the 
sociable stage-coach, rolls along the beautiful 
valley of the Shenandoah, is jolted into an 
appetite, and then the novelty of the scenery, 
the raillery, fun, and anecdote of the passen- 
gers, the landing at the taverns, the abusing 
of coffee and biscuits, and long-legged chick- 
ens — these, and a thousand other charms of a 
stage-coach, make him forget his acid stomach, 
and are worth all the pills of Peters, and Beck- 
with, and Brandreth, and all other nostrums 
of empiricism. Now he winds up the ascent 
of the Warm Spring Mountain, amidst thou- 
sands of clusters of the splendid Rhododen- 
dron and the gay blossoms of the Laurestinus, 
and ever-varying Azalia ; now he reaches the 
summit and sees the world beneath him — 
mountains, and valleys, and pastures, houses, 
and men, and cattle — all in miniature ; he is 



GENERAL REMARKS. 17 

delighted and wrapt in meditation, and he in- 
wardly adores the majesty of that Being who 
is enthroned in the heavens, and who looketh 
dotvn on the high places of the earth. The 
inward man is now changed ; the feverish, 
melancholy invalid, weaned from his own 
gloomy reflections and anticipations of evil, 
is once more converted into a social being, 
sympathizing in the feelings and pleasures of 
others, and charmed out of fancied or real 
sufferings. 

If there is a scene on this earth calculated 
to strike the mind with reverential awe, and 
raise the soul from grovelling thoughts of 
self to the contemplation of the God of Na- 
ture, it is to stand on the highest top of the 
highest mountain, and to look down on pig- 
my man and his ant-hill habitations, and then 
to reflect on his vanities and his follies, and 
the end of all — his little resting-place. Never 
shall we forget the emotions produced on us 
by our visit to the summit of the Salt-Pond 
Mountain, in Giles county, some years ago, 
with a few friends. Our horizon was extend- 
ed to 50 miles around, limited only by the 
azure arch of heaven, and presenting to the 
2* 



18 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

eye the most sublime spectacle which the 
human mind can conceive — 

" It was a hill 
Of Paradise the highest; from whose top 
The hemisphere of earth, in clearest view 
Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay. 
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round, 
Whereon, for different cause, the tempter set 
Our second Adam, in the wilderness; 
To show him all Earth's kingdoms and their glory." 

Having conducted our readers to the sum- 
mit of the Warm Spring Mountain, where the 
air is pure and invigorating, and whence the 
comfortable hotel of Col. Fry may be seen 
through the stinted and shattered chestnuts ; 
his olfactories seem already to snuff the gale, 
laden with the grateful perfume of the fragrant 
coffee, and his mouth perhaps waters for hot 
muffins and buckwheat cakes. Whilst thus 
anticipating a more solid repast, it is like in- 
flicting upon him the punishment of Tantalus, 
to lay before him a chapter of Dietetics ; yet 
the plan of our little work requires that we 
should treat of this and various other prelimi- 
nary matters, before we introduce him into 
the sanctum of mine host. 



CHAPTER II. 

Within the range of the Virginia Springs, 
the climate is much more uniform than that 
of the Atlantic region in the same latitudes. 
The severe north-easterly winds which extend 
over the tide-water districts, are arrested in 
their westward career by the Blue Ridge 
Mountains ; or if they partially affect the 
Valley of Virginia, the Alleghanies oppose an 
insuperable barrier. The air, though keen, 
is always pure, bracing, and exhilarating ; 
nor is there ever that alternation of a close, 
suffocating atmosphere, with intense cold, 
which is so well known on the Atlantic bor- 
ders, and proves so depressing to the vital 
powers. Extremes of cold or heat are seldom 
felt, and may be considered exceptions to the 
general character of the climate. 

We have never seen, at our residence, the 
thermometer lower than 6° below zero, and 
we have been used to consider 6° above as 
very cold weather. The greatest degree of 



20 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

heat we have observed has been 97°, but it 
seldom exceeds 86°, and but for a few hours 
at mid-day. The usual summer atmosphere 
is from 57 to 78°. The nights and mornings 
are almost always agreeably cool. It will be 
readily seen, that where there is often a dif- 
ference of 30° in the temperature of the morn- 
ing and afternoon, it becomes necessary to 
adapt the clothing to the different conditions 
of the atmosphere ; it would therefore be im- 
prudent to go abroad in the early morning 
clothed in nankeen. Our fogs, always indices 
of fair weather, though perfectly free from 
miasma, are nevertheless humid, and render 
woollen clothing perfectly comfortable. With 
this precaution there is nothing to prevent 
early rising and exercise. 

The rainy season in the Virginia Moun- 
tains sets in about the 15th of March, and 
sometimes extends into the month of June. 
The season for using the waters may be said 
to commence on the 1st June, and terminate 
on the 1st October. About the 15th Septem- 
ber, it is not uncommon to see a heavy rain 
succeeded by two or three cold nights and 
white frosts. The visiters, alarmed by this 



GENERAL REMARKS. 21 

little equinoctical demonstration, disperse 
like migrating birds, and leave those beauti- 
ful valleys, lately the abodes of gaiety, solita- 
ry and silent as a deserted village. They 
have scarcely crossed the Blue Ridge, how- 
ever, ere they find that their apprehensions 
of a permanent change in the weather were 
premature, and now earnestly wish them- 
selves back arain among 1 the scenes and 
friends from which they have just departed. 
In truth, the most delightful period of the year 
in the Mountains, is that between the 20th 
September and 1 st November. It is the sweet 
season of Indian summer, when the woods are 
clothed in their most gorgeous livery, — when 
Nature seems to enjoy a calm repose, as if to 
prepare herself for the buffeting storm of the 
approaching winter. 

" Attemper' d suns arise 
Sweet beam'd, and shedding oft through lucid clouds 
A pleasing calm ; while broad, and brown, below, 
Extensive harvests hang the heavy head. 
Rich, silent, deep, they stand ; for not a gale 
Rolls its light billows o'er the bending plain ; 
A calm of plenty ! " 

The society which frequents the Virginia 
Springs is for the most part the elite of the 



22 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

country. Saratoga and other northern wa- 
tering-places being accessible by railroads 
to persons in every condition of life, and at 
a trifling expense, the mass of visiters is of 
course composed of all sorts of people. The 
knowledge of this fact makes men distrustful 
of each other's standing, and shy and re- 
served. At the Virginia Springs, on the con- 
trary, there is an entire feeling of equality, a 
relinquishment of formality, a republican 
simplicity of manners, a reciprocity of kind, 
courteous, but unpretending civility, and an 
easy, unaffected, social intercourse, that ren- 
ders those places peculiarly agreeable. No 
one can have failed to observe the difference 
between large and small communities, as re- 
gards sociability ; the latter, being in some 
degree individually dependent on each other, 
cultivate kindly feelings, and form strong 
attachments, whilst it is not uncommon for the 
resident of a city to be ignorant of the name 
of his next-door neighbour. So it is at the 
Mineral Springs : the more populous they are, 
the less sociable. 

The great novelist from whom we have 
already quoted, makes indeed the following 



GENERAL REMARKS. 23 

correct observations on this subject : " The 
society of such places is regulated by their 
very nature, upon a scheme much more in- 
dulgent than that which rules the world of 
fashion, and the narrow circles of rank in the 
metropolis. The titles of rank, birth, and 
fortune are received at a watering-place with- 
out any very strict investigation, as adequate 
to the purpose for which they are preferred ; 
and as the situation infers a certain degree 
of intimacy and sociability for the time, so, to 
whatever height it may have been carried, it 
is not understood to imply any duration be- 
yond the length of the season. No intima- 
cy can be supposed more close for .the time, 
and more transitory in its endurance, than 
that which is attached to a watering-place 
acquaintance." Yet there are numerous in- 
stances of permanent and ardent friendship 
originating among those rural retreats, and 
even the wily Cupid not unfrequently speeds 
his arrows from the shade of some majestic 
oak. " Hither come also," says the same au- 
thor, " the unprincipled gamester, the impos- 
ter, the heartless fortune-hunter. But, be- 
sides these characters, who are actually dan- 



24 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

gerous to society, a well-frequented watering- 
place generally exhibits for the amusement 
of the company, and the perplexity and 
amusement of the more inexperienced, a 
sprinkling of persons called by the news- 
papers, eccentric characters — individuals, 
namely, who either from some real derange- 
ment of their understanding, or, much more 
frequently, from an excess of vanity, are am- 
bitious of distinguishing themselves by some 
striking peculiarity in dress or address, con- 
versation or manners, and perhaps in all. 
" Hither too comes the saunterer, anxious to 
get rid of that wearisome attendant, himself ; 
and thither come both males and females, 
who, upon a different principle, desire to 
make themselves double." 

Whatever may be the motive of the visit, 
whether pleasure or health, it will readily be 
conceded that a cheerful spirit, a disposition 
to be pleased, sympathy with the feelings of 
others, an entire suspension of care, and a 
fondness for rural scenes and enjoyments, are 
essential to the attainment of the object. 
The moody, selfish man can have no real 
enjoyment, his heart beats in unison with 



GENERAL REMARKS. 25 

no human being, he measures mankind by 
the standard of his own sullen disposition, he 
is suspicious of motive when treated with 
cordiality, and when not caressed, he deems his 
merits overlooked, his pride is wounded, and 
he takes revenge upon the world by shroud- 
ing himself in his offended dignity and bury- 
ing himself alive in his own melancholy 
reflections. Whilst we shed a tear for a fel- 
low-being afflicted with so direful a malady 
of the mind, we should pray God to bless us 
with a happy spirit of cheerfulness. 

The invalid is especially prone to be low- 
spirited and home-sick, and when the latter 
feeling possesses the mind, farewell to im- 
provement ! All the faculties of the mind 
seem absorbed in that one thought, and it is 
utterly useless to oppose it. So frequent is 
it, indeed, especially in mothers who have 
left young children, and so easily excited, 
that we have for several years forbidden the 
song called " Home,'' to be sung or played by 
the band. 

Let us therefore advise those who visit the 
Springs for health, to do so with the firm re- 
solution not to make themselves unhappy 
3 



26 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

about home ; or if they distrust their own 
firmness, let them take with them the objects 
of so much interest ; otherwise their friends 
and themselves will be disappointed of happy 
results. The man who considers the vast 
influence of the passions and the affections 
over that wonderfully contrived machine, 
the human body> will not think that we 
have attached too much importance to this 
matter. Would to God, it were more gene- 
rally taken into view by medical men ! and 
we should then see many of the maladies 
that are now treated, and aggravated too, by 
the villanous compounds of the apothecary, 
readily yield to the more rational prescription 
of pure air, free exercise, freedom from care, 
and cheerful society. 

Having thus far indulged in generalities, 
it is now time we should be more specific. 
Although we must reserve detail until we 
come to treat of the different diseases for 
which those Springs are visited, and the 
water adapted to each case, yet there are ge- 
neral principles which apply to all watering- 
places, and to the mode of using them, and 
thus far we shall treat this matter at present. 



CHAPTER III. 

When Meneiiius Agrippa quelled the tur- 
bulent passions of the Roman populace by 
repeating to them the beautiful fable of the 
stomach and members of the human body, 
he set forth, in bold relief, the advantages 
derived througrh the agency of that great re- 
servoir, from which proceeds the elements of 
that vital current that swells the muscular 
arm of the patriot, and tinges with a modest 
blush the maiden's cheek ; but if it had 
equally suited his purpose, he might have 
depicted, with no less truthfulness, the wan 
cheek, the tottering step, the sunken eye, the 
palsied tongue, produced by pampering it to 
repletion. The functions of this organ are 
so important that we are tempted for the be- 
nefit of our unprofessional readers, to give a 
brief account of its normal and pathological 
condition : 

" The stomach [Pai^is] is immediately situ- 
ated below the diaphragm ; the cardia being 



28 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

nearly opposite to the middle of the vertebrae ; 
from thence it bulges out to the left side, the 
great curvature coming forward and down- 
ward ; it then passes on to the right side, 
rising upwards so that the pylorus is not 
much farther from the diaphragm than the 
cardia ; when therefore a man is in an erect 
posture, substances must ascend to pass 
through the pylorus. In its flaccid state, it 
occupies the epigastrium and part of the 
left hypochondrium : whilst, when distended, 
it exchanges its flattened for a rounded form, 
and fills almost completely the hypochon- 
drium ; the greater curvature descending 
towards the umbilicus, particularly on 
the left side ; on account of the resistance 
opposed by the vertebral column, the pos- 
terior surface of the stomach cannot dis- 
tend itself in that direction ; this viscus is 
therefore wholly carried forward. The dila- 
tation of the stomach produces very impor- 
tant changes in the abdomen ; the total 
volume of the cavity augments ; the belly 
juts out ; the abdominal viscera are compress- 
ed with greater force. At the same time the 
diaphragm is pressed towards the breast, and 



GENERAL REMARKS. 29 

it descends with some difficulty ; whence the 
respiratory motions are impeded. 

The villous, or mucous membrane has a 
whitish-red appearance, and presents a sin- 
gular velvet-like appearance, from which it 
has derived its name : not being elastic, it 
has numerous folds, or ruga, which supply 
this deficiency, and serve to accommodate 
the capacity of the stomach to the bulk of its 
contents, and. at the same time, to retain the 
aliment until it is duly elaborated. 

The stomach is abundantly vascular : in- 
deed, it may be observed, that few structures 
receive so much blood as this or^an ; four 
arteries, three of which are considerable, are 
exclusively devoted to its service, and their 
several branches communicate most freely 
with each other, in all directions, by innu- 
merable anastomoses : and being tortuous. 
they can then accommodate themselves to the 
full and empty states of the cavity. Xor are 
its nerves less numerous : they are composed 
of the eighth pair and a great many filaments 
proceeding from the solar plexus of the great 
sympathetic. 
3* 



30 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

The different secretions concerned in diges- 
tion are thus enumerated by Dr. Paris : 

1st. Saliva, which is formed by glands 
whose excretory ducts open into the mouth. 
2. Mucous matter, which results from the 
action of numerous follicles situated in the 
interior of the cheeks and palate, upon the 
back of the tongue, on the anterior aspect of 
velum, and on the uvula. 3. Gastric juice, 
formed by the glands in the stomach, and the 
mucus secreted by its membrane. 4. Mucus 
intestinalis, or proper juice of the duodenum 
and small intestines. 5. Bile, which being se- 
creted in the liver and rendered more stimula- 
ting in the gall bladder, is afterwards carried 
into the duodenum. 6. Pancreatic juice, 
which is secreted in the pancreas, and carried 
into the duodenum along with the bile ; to 
which perhaps may be added the watery 
jluids thrown into the intestines by the ex- 
halants. 

If we may be allowed to conceive a con- 
dition of the system in which all the organs 
of digestion accurately perform their respec- 
tive functions, and harmonize beautifully 
with each other, like the well-oiled mechan- 



GENERAL REMARKS. 31 

ism of the steam engine, we may well be- 
lieve it a state of perfect health ; and indeed, 
it were difficult to connect with such a con- 
dition the idea of disease in any organ of the 
human body. But as in the engine, besides 
the wear and tear incident to matter, an un- 
skilful and careless engineer, who piles on 
fuel, raises the steam above the point of secu- 
rity, and neglects the safety valve, hazards 
a concussion awful to contemplate, or by de- 
laying some repair which at first sight may 
seem of minor importance, deranges first one 
portion of the machinery, then another, until 
all the parts become finally implicated and 
obstructed. So it is with the human frame ; 
if from any cause it receives a shock which 
overpowers its vital energies, it succumbs to 
the blow. If any of its organs become so 
impaired as to produce diseased function, 
a continuance of that condition will in the 
end react upon the organ, involve other or- 
gans and their functions in the derangement, 
and finally undermine the constitution. 

It would be foreign from our purpose to 
treat of the various diseases that may affect 
the digestive apparatus ; we shall, therefore, 



32 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

confine ourselves to the consideration of 
Dyspepsia, which, as being the most general, 
is also the most important. 

Dyspepsia is most generally produced by 
a series of errors in diet ; in which, of course, 
we include improper potations. Every man 
has a certain degree of vital energy allotted 
to his organism, which constitutes health, 
and an addition, or diminution therefrom, 
elevates or depresses that power so as to con- 
stitute an abnormal condition. Let us ap- 
ply this principle to the stomach, and we can 
very readily understand how it becomes dis- 
eased. Let us suppose the vital energy 
possessed by the stomach of A., who labours 
on the canal, to be 20, and that of B., a mer- 
chant, who is all day hanging over his desk, 
to be 15 : now A. rises at dawn, works until 
S a. m., in all probability has roused into 
action all the organs of secretion and excretion, 
and has a relish and appetite for his break- 
fast. He needs no buckwheat cakes float- 
ing in butter, to excite his salivary glands, 
and he is contented with a plain but plentiful 
meal. B., on the contrary, sleeps, or rather 
lies in bed, until 7 a. m., and dresses in 



DYSPEPSIA. 33 

time to meet his family at the breakfast-table 
at 8 : his bowels are constipated, his liver is 
torpid, his kidneys are sluggish, his skin is 
dry, he has a morbid appetite, he eats hot 
rolls and butter, beefsteak, or mutton-chops, 
or likely enough, both. A .dish of stewed 
oysters now makes its appearance, and he 
cannot resist the temptation ; some three or 
four varieties of hot cakes are served, and it 
is necessary to decide which is the best ; so 
he must have a nibble at all. Two large 
cups of coffee accompany his meal, and he is 
literally crammed to repletion. A. returns to 
his work, whistles or sings all the while, or 
cracks a joke with his fellow-labourer ; at 
noon he eats his allowance of bread and fat 
bacon, at night he again takes his homely 
meal, and at a proper hour retires to his hard 
couch and enjoys a depth of slumber that 
kings may envy. B. after the meal through 
which we have already accompanied him, 
walks to his counting-room, pores over his 
books, has a note to pay in bank for which he 
is not prepared, is fretted or perhaps alarmed, 
leaves his business at 3 p. m., takes a glass 
of toddy to stimulate his appetite, eats turtle 



34 



SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



soup, corned beef, roast mutton, baked oys- 
ters, boiled fish, wild ducks, bread, potatoes, 
hominey, celery, variety pudding, crackers 
and cheese, apples and raisins ; he drinks ale, 
champagne, sherry, and perhaps port. He 
lounges away his time until supper, takes 
tea or coffee, writes until late, and then retires 
to repose ! Now observe that the conduct of 
these two persons is in the inverse ratio of 
their vital powers. While A. invigorates his 
digestive organs by just that degree of sti- 
mulation which Nature informs him is ne- 
cessary to repair the waste by the different 
excretions, B. over-stimulates his already 
feeble stomach, gives it a task to perform 
which would oppress even the vigorous pow- 
ers of A. and by a succession of such abuses 
lays the foundation of maladies as grievous 
as they are unmanageable. Will it be said 
that we have caricatured the habits of B. ? 
Alas ! there are too many fac-si miles, and 
we are very certain that we might, with truth, 
have given a deeper colouring to the picture, 
in many cases. 

If B., whose digestive powers may perhaps 
be adequate to a slice of cold bread and half 



DYSPEPSIA. 35 

a pound of roast beef or mutton, takes the 
varied dinner we have already described, or 
something like it ; he applies an over-stimulus 
to the nervous expansion ; the nerves notify 
the brain that an additional supply of blood 
is necessary ; the brain sends its orders to the 
heart, the heart gathers its fluid from the ca- 
pillary system, and, guided by anxiety of the 
nerves, directs the vital current to the mucous 
coat ; next follows plethora, or engorgement ; 
then succeeds irritation of the gastric nerves ; 
then follows an excessive secretion of acid 
and of air ; next comes pain, flatulence, 
heart-burn, and innumerable ills. 

A succession of irritations will produce in- 
fiamniation, and then follows a defective or 
highly vitiated secretion ; the pyloric glands 
no longer discriminate between the portions 
of chyme presented to them— it enters the 
duodenum in a vitiated condition — the nerves 
of this organ demand the sympathies of the 
liver and pancreas — these are overstimulated, 
irritated, engorged ; they send through their 
ducts highly concentrated and acrid secre- 
tions, the mucous coat of the intestines is irri- 
tated, and the result is mucous diarrhoea or 



36 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

dysentery. In another portion of this work, 
we have to consider the effects produced by 
disease of the stomach on the lungs and 
bronchi ; we will, therefore, for the present 
only remark, that they are both extensive and 
important. The heart, the kidneys, the skin, 
and the brain, are all most seriously affected 
by derangement of the digestive apparatus. 

We recognise, nevertheless, a condition of 
the stomach the reverse of plethora, which is 
usually produced by excessive hemorrhages. 
In this condition, a certain amount of nourish- 
ment and stimulation is not only proper but 
necessary. We should err greatly, however, 
were we, in cases of anemia, to push nutri- 
tion beyond the vital powers of the organ. 



CHAPTER IV. 



ALIMENT. 



In a work like this it is not to be expect- 
ed, nor indeed is it necessary, to classify the 
different aliments used by man ; we shall 
therefore content ourselves with brief re- 
marks on the more important articles. Of 
these the first and most important is bread. 
Bread is composed of the farina of wheat, In- 
dian corn, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, rice. 
The first named is decidedly the most valu- 
able as an article of nutrition, and is accord- 
ingly the most prized. It is fermented with 
barm or yeast, and seasoned with a little salt. 
If used as an article of diet, it should be suf- 
fered to become what the English call stale, 
that is, it should be kept twenty- four to forty- 
eight hours before use. 

What is termed " dyspepsia bread" is the 
whole product of the grain without bolting, 
and is found more aperient than that made 
4 



38 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

from the finest flour. The next most import- 
ant bread to an American is that which is 
made from Indian corn. This is best made 
in the very simplest manner, with water and 
a little salt. This bread, to be at all palatable, 
must be eaten hot, and with butter or some 
oily substance. Hence arises the most serious 
objection to it as an article of diet ; used, how- 
ever, in the form of mush or hasty-pudding, 
with sweet milk, it is a valuable article of re- 
gimen. Rye used by itself is too close and 
clammy, and therefore is well mixed with 
wheat flour or Indian meal. Rice is a valu- 
able article, either boiled in the grain or re- 
duced to flour and mixed with wheat flour. 
The greatest objection to it is a tendency to 
constipate. 

Barley and oats are so little used in this 
country as aliments, that it is unnecessary to 
notice them further. 

The meats most favorable to digestion are 
venison, mutton, beef, turkey, pheasants, com- 
mon fowls. Any of these may be eaten in 
moderate quantity, once a day, by almost any 
patient in whose case animal food is at all 
admissible. Corned beef is an article totally 



ALIMENT. 39 

different from fresh, and should be forbidden, 
as should also bacon, unless as a mere relish. 
Eggs should be used sparingly whilst using 
Sulphur Waters, and even milk is generally 
too freely used. Pastry of all kinds is inad- 
missible. Well-boiled vegetables may gene- 
rally be used, with the exception of cabbage, 
potatoes, or such others as may disagree in 
each case. 

Fruits do not agree well whilst using Sul- 
phur Waters. They produce acidity, heart- 
burn, and, not unfrequently, troublesome di- 
arrhoea. 

Wine, and all spirituous liquors, are gene- 
rally injurious and improper ; there are, how- 
ever, sometimes cases in which their stimulus 
may be admissible. As a general rule, little 
fluid should be taken except the Mineral 
Water. 



CHAPTER V. 



TREATMENT. 



The first consideration of the invalid af- 
ter reaching his destination, should be to as- 
certain whether his system is in a suitable 
condition for commencing the use of the wa- 
ter. It is quite probable that after a long 
journey he may be constipated, that his liver 
may have become torpid, that he may be 
over-excited by fatigue ; in short, there are 
many circumstances, any of which would 
render it imprudent to enter hastily on a free 
use of those powerful agents. If these condi- 
tions of the system exist, let the alimentary 
canal be freely evacuated by medicine adapted 
to the case, and a strict regimen instituted for 
forty-eight hours, or until oppression or excite- 
ment is subdued, and then let the water be 
taken in such a way as that it shall gradually 
insinuate itself through the system, and act as 
an alterative on the different functions of the 



TREATMENT. 41 

economy. The safest plan, in serious cases^ 
is to obtain the advice of a physician, with 
the precautions already hinted at ; but, phy- 
sician or no physician, we say to the patient, 
festina le?ite. Be not influenced by the go- 
aheadism so characteristic of our country ; but 
go to work calmly and systematically. 

If the weather and other circumstances ad- 
mit, rise about 6, throw your cloak on your 
shoulders, visit the Spring, take a small-sized 
tumbler of water, move about in a brisk walk ; 
drink again at 7, and once more at half past 7 ; 
breakfast at 8, (what that breakfast should be, 
you may infer from what we have said on diet.) 
After breakfast, if you can command a carriage, 
take a drive, otherwise a slow ride on horse- 
back until 10. From 10 to 12, enjoy yourself 
in conversation or other mode most agreeable 
to you — eat no luncheon — at 12 take a glass of 
water, at 1 take another. From 12 to 1 J, take 
exercise at ten pins, quoits, billiards ; dine at 
2, (see remarks on diet) ; amuse yourself in 
social intercourse until 5. Take a drive, ride, 
or walk, until 6 — drink a glass of water ; exer- 
cise until 7 — take a cracker and a cup of 
black tea. If you are a dancer, you may en- 
4* 



42 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

joy it, but in moderation, until 9 — quaff a 
glass of water from the Spring, and retire to 
your room. 

If you find yourself improving, remain at 
the fountain ; but if, after a fair trial of the 
water, taken after your system has been pro- 
perly prepared, and accompanied by some- 
thing like the course we have suggested, the 
symptoms of your disease become aggravated, 
or new ones supervene, then you should 
abandon the use of the water, and try to find 
another better adapted to your case. But if, 
by an act of imprudence, you render that 
noxious which under more auspicious cir- 
cumstances would have been salutary, you 
should not visit upon it the blame which is 
due to your own indiscretion. It has been 
made a question how long a mineral water 
can be used with advantage. Different views 
are entertained on this subject, but we are 
convinced that no general rule can be given 
when so much depends on the disease, its in- 
tensity, the habits of the individual, and the 
effects which are produced. Some recom- 
mend a change at the end of a fortnight or 
three weeks, alleging that a certain degree of 



TREATMENT. 43 

congestion of the liver takes place about that 
time, the tongue becomes furred, and head- 
ache supervenes. If such symptoms arise, 
there can be no doubt the use of the water 
should be immediately intermitted until they 
are removed ; but if strict inquiry be made, it 
will be found that the patient has either been 
strongly predisposed to this condition of the 
liver, and has not prepared his system proper- 
ly, or has swallowed down large quantities of 
water and indulged his appetite, or perhaps 
has taken one glass of sulphur water and two 
of brandy and water ; but it will readily be 
seen that these are abuses and argue nothing. 
In truth, we sincerely believe that, in almost 
every case, the whole season may be spent 
with advantage at any Spring that suits the 
patient's case ; and we are sure that in cases 
of long continued disease, it is folly to expect 
a radical cure in a few days or weeks. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Natural waters, when they are so far im- 
pregnated with foreign substances as to have 
a decided taste and a peculiar operation on 
the animal economy, are called Mineral 
Waters. 

These are necessarily very diversified in their 
natures, but they are conveniently arranged 
for description under the four heads of Car- 
bonated^ Sulphuretted, Chalybeate, and Sa- 
line. 

Carbonated waters are characterized by con- 
taining an excess of carbonic acid, which gives 
them a sparkling appearance, and the power 
of reddening litmus paper. These waters 
frequently contain the carbonates of lime, 
magnesia, and iron, which are held in solu- 
tion by the excess of carbonic acid. The 

* United States Dispensatory : Wood & Bache, 1839. 



MINERAL WATERS. 45 

Waters of Seltzer, Spa, and Pyrmont, in Eu- 
rope, and of the Sweet Springs in Virginia, 
belong to this class. 

Sulphuretted Waters are such as contain 
sulphuretted hydrogen, and are distinguished 
by the peculiar fetid smell of that gas, and by 
their yielding a brown precipitate with the 
salts of lead or silver. Examples of this kind 
of mineral water are furnished by the waters 
of Aix la Chapelle and Harrowgate in Eu- 
rope ; and those of the White, Red, and Salt 
Sulphur Springs in Virginia. 

Chalybeate Waters are characterized by a 
strong inky taste, and by striking a black 
colour with the infusion of galls, and a blue 
one with ferrocyanate of potassa. The iron is 
generally in the state of protocarbonate, held 
in solution by excess of carbonic acid. By 
standings the carbonic acid is given off, and 
the protoxide becomes a hydrated sesquioxide 
of an ocreous colour, and is precipitated. The 
principal chalybeate waters are those of Tun- 
bridge and Brighton in England, and Balston, 
Spa, Bedford, and Brandywine, in the United 
States. 

Saline Waters are those the prominent 



46 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

properties of which depend on saline impreg- 
nation. The salts most usually present are 
the sulphates, muriates, and carbonates of 
lime, magnesia, and soda. The principal 
saline waters are those of Seidlitz in Bohemia, 
Cheltenham and Bath in England, and Har- 
rodsburg and Saratoga in the United States. 

Carbonated Seltzer. — In a wine pint : car- 
bonic acid, 17 cubic inches. Solid contents : 
carbonate of soda, 4 grs. ; carbonate of mag- 
nesia, 5 ; carbonate of lime, 3 ; chloride of 
sodium, 17 ; total, 29 grs. 

Sulphuretted. — Aix la Chapelle. In a wine 
pint : sulphuretted hydrogen, 5-5 cubic inches. 
Solid contents : carbonate of soda, 12 grs. ; 
carbonate of lime, 4-75 ; chloride of sodium, 
5 ; total, 20-75 grs. 

Harroivgate Old Well. — In a wine gallon, 
gaseous contents : sulphuretted hydrogen, 14 
cubic inches ; carbonic acid, 4*25 ; nitrogen, 
8 ; carbonated hydrogen, 445 ; total, 30-4 
cubic inches. Solid contents : chloride of 
sodium, 752 grs. ; muriate of lime, 65*75 ; 
muriate of magnesia, 29-2 ; bi-carbonate of 
soda, 12-8 ; total, 859-75. 



MINERAL WATERS. 47 

White Sulphur.*— In a wine gallon, gaseous 
contents : sulphuretted hydrogen, 2-5 cubic 
inches ; carbonic acid, 2 ; oxygen, 1-448 ; 
nitrogen, 3*552 ; total, 9-5. Solid contents in 
a pint : sulphate of magnesia, 5-588 grs. ; sul- 
phate of lime, 7-744 ; carbonate of lime, 1-150 ; 
muriate of lime, 0-204 ; chloride of sodium, 
0-180 ; oxide of iron, a trace ; loss, 0-410 ; 
total, 15-276 grs.— ( Wm. B. Rogers.) 

Red Sulphur. — " I herewith send you an 
account of my analysis of the large Spring : — 
Temperature 58°, (54° by the corrected ther- 
mometer.) Gaseous contents in an imperial 
gallon : sulphuretted hydrogen, 4-54 cubic 
inches ; carbonic acid, 8-73 ; nitrogen, 4-23. 

Solid contents of 32 cubic inches of water, 

* The analysis of the White Sulphur is, like all others 
that precede it, taken from the United States Dispensa- 
tory, published in 1839. The analysis of the Hot Springs 
by Professor Rogers was given to a member of the au- 
thor's family by Dr. Goode, and that of the Red Sulphur 
i3 an extract from a letter of Professor Rogers, which the 
author feels authorised to make public. It will be readily 
seen, however, that all the analyses furnished by Prof. R. 
are mere outlines, and there is good reason to believe that 
he will now very shortly favour the public with his long 
contemplated work on the Geology and Mineral Waters 
of Virginia. 



48 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

1-23 grs., consisting of sulphate of soda, lime 
and magnesia, carbonate of lime and muriate 
of soda. 

Besides these ingredients, the water con- 
tains in considerable quantities a peculiar or- 
ganic substance, which mingled with sulphur, 
is deposited on the sides of the Spring, and 
seems to increase by a species of vital growth. 
This matter is analogous to what occurs in 
several European springs, and has lately been 
designated by the name of Glairine. Its ex- 
istence in the Red Sulphur so largely may be 
an important cause of the valuable and pecu- 
liar agencies of the water. You may state 
the substance of what I have mentioned re- 
specting the contents of the Spring, and urge 
p articul arly the peculiar value of the watedf 
in pulmonary disease, on account of its free- 
dom from irritating saline matters, its low 
temperature, the quantity of sulph. hydrogen, 
and probably the large amount of organic 
matter which it holds dissolved." 

Hot Springs. — The free gas in boiler con- 
tained in 100 cubic inches : nitrogen, 1*16 ; 
oxygen, 0*20 ; total, 7*41. There is also a 
trace of hydrogen in the water, but not a suf- 



MINERAL WATERS. 49 

ficient quantity to admit of determination. 
The saline ingredients in 64 cubic inches are 
as follows : 

Carbonate of lime, 4-82 grs. 
Sulphate of lime, 1*52 

Sulphate of soda, 0-92 

Sulphate of magnesia, 0-57 
Muriate of soda, 0*37 

Silica, 0-05 



Total, 8-25 

A trace of oxide of iron and muriates of mas:- 
nesia and lime. 

A comparative glance at our Mineral 
Springs and those of Europe, will in most 
instances show a large excess of gases and 
salt in favour of the latter ; but this is the 
very reason that our waters probably excel 
all others on the globe. Their relative quan- 
tities being more happily adjusted, and their 
combinations more elaborate, the effect upon 
the economy is more in accordance with the 
operations of nature. It is not the visible 
effect upon the excretions that is the most 
valuable in a Mineral Water, but that gentle, 
imperceptible influence which, without any 
5 



50 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

apparent disturbance of the visceral functions, 
clears the jaundiced complexion, animates the 
languid eye, invigorates the enfeebled diges- 
tion, cheers the drooping spirits, moistens the 
hot, husky, arid skin, imparts softness and 
volume and reduced quickness to the excited 
circulation, calms the agitated nerves, soothes 
the irritated mucous surfaces, gives motion 
and elasticity to the stiffened joints, and re- 
stores the constitution to health and youthful 
vigour with more certainty than could the 
fabled incantations of the Colchian sorceress. 



CHAPTER VII. 



WARM SPRINGS. 



Having finished our general remarks, we 
beg leave to introduce our reader to our friend. 
Col. John Fry, the worthy lessee and host at 
the Warm Springs. Col. Fry is the son of 
a revolutionary patriot, and of a " good stock" 
He is a short, thick-set man ; graceful, gay and 
courteous in his manner. In anecdote and 
story tellings he is unrivalled ; and such, 
indeed, is his fund of the latter, that he is 
sometimes compelled to have recourse to his 
list by way of memorandum, as the devotee 
to his beads. It were worth the while of the 
dyspeptic to spend some days with him, if it 
were only to laugh himself into good hu- 
mour. 

Although probably on the shady side of 
three-score years, he can cut a "pigeon 
wing " with the youngest and most buoyant ; 
and as a ladies' man, he bears the palm from 
all competitors. But while he is lively with 



52 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the gay, he can be grave with the austere, and 
can accommodate himself to the dispositions 
of his guests with a facility we have never 
seen surpassed, and which can only be at- 
tained by constant intercourse with mankind. 
It is persons thus constituted that are alone 
suited for tavern-keepers. It is an art that, 
like riding or swimming, must be learned in 
early life ; and we would say to him, who- 
ever he may be, that has not been thus early 
indoctrinated, exchange the pursuit for some 
other more congenial avocation. 

Qui semel aspexit quantum dimissa petitis 
Pr&stent, mature redeat repetatque relicta. 

" The Hotel, according to Col. Perkins, is 
150 feet in length, built of brick, with a 
piazza 15 feet wide ; the lodging chambers 
are large and the fare good." The accom- 
modations we should think sufficiently ex- 
tensive for 100 persons. 

The Warm Spring Bath is one of the great- 
est subjects of curiosity in Western Virginia. 
We were about to attempt a description of it, 
but finding it prepared to our hand in an 
interesting article in Bell on Baths and 
Mineral Waters, we are sure it will be more 



WARM SPRINGS. 53 

welcome than any thing we could say on the 
subject : 

" The Warm and the Hot Springs in Vir- 
ginia, and the Warm Springs in Buncombe 
county, North Carolina, furnish delightful 
natural baths for recreation and health. The 
bath at the Warm Springs, Bath Court-House, 
Virginia, is of an octagonal form, and forty 
feet wide from one angle to the opposite one, 
and between five and six feet deep in places, 
and no where less than four ; the bottom is 
gravelly. The water of the Spring that sup- 
plies it is of the temperature of 96° Fahrenheit, 
clear and transparent, and emitting gas in 
large quantities. Few feelings can be more 
pleasurable than those which are produced 
by bathing in the water. Here one is like a 
native of the Sandwich Islands, who, after a 
long absence from home, is at last landed on 
his native shore : he plunges in the liquid 
element in which he had been wont to disport 
himself in his earlier days, and, by every va- 
riety of attitude and gesture, endeavours to 
compensate himself for his past privations. 
After a few bathings in the Warm Springs, 
gout and rheumatic cripples begin to exercise 



54 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

those joints which were immoveable as "by 
Anchylosis knit," and soon enjoy entire ex- 
emption from pain. The more juvenile and 
healthy, who bathe for pleasure, have to be 
reminded of the lapse of time, and cautioned 
against the undue exercise of swimming, 
which, joined to a prolonged stay in the water, 
cause diaphoresis and some subsequent lan- 
guor and debility. Two hours at a time are 
allotted for the ladies to take the bath, and 
the same period for the gentlemen, and so on 
through the day. A white flag is hoisted as 
a signal that it is occupied by the former. 
The water can be let off at the end of every 
bathing ; and so abundant is the supply, that 
the basin is soon replenished by the Spring- 
gushing up from the gravelly bottom. The 
basin has over it a wooden top, and is pro- 
vided, on both sides, with small rooms, 
heated, when occasion requires it, by fires. 
It is here the bathers undress and dress, and 
here an attendant is always in waiting. 
Lower down the meadow, in which is the 
chief Spring which supplies the bath just 
described, is another warm one, the wa- 
ter of which is reserved for internal use. 



WARM SPRINGS. 55 

Close to it is a hydrant, from which cold cha- 
lybeate water is procured. Near to these is 
a warm bath similar in temperature and other 
properties to the first, but of small dimensions, 
and principally intended for the use of the 
more aged and infirm, and for children." 

We subjoin also, by way of episode, the 
very spirited and beautiful legend of this 
Spring given by Mr. Otis of Boston, as derived 
from the old bath-keeper, and extracted from 
his article in the Southern Literary Mes- 
senger of March, 1838 : 

" A young Indian, more than two centuries 
ago, was coming from the Western valley of 
the great Appalachian mountains, towards 
the waters of the East, that opened into the 
beautiful bay whose branches touch the 
strands of some of the mightiest marts of a 
nation that was not then in existence. He 
had never trodden that path before, and no- 
thing but the pride of youth, which would 
not brook that his brethren of other tribes 
should triumph over him as their inferior in 
adventure, had sustained his manly heart so 
far ; for he had come, since the rising sun 
first touched, that day, the mighty peaks of 



56 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the Alleghanies, from the vales that lay at 
their feet on the west. He was going to carry 
the voice and vote of a powerful nation to the 
council-fire that was kindling on the banks 
of the great water, and he felt shame at the 
recurrence of the idea that the place of the 
young Appalachian Leopard could be vacant. 
But the night winds beat coldly around him, 
and the way was dark. There had been 
rains, and the earth was damp and swampy ; 
and no grass, or fern, or heather, was at. hand 
with which to make a bed in the bosom of 
the valley where he stood. He had not 
strength to climb the near range of moun- 
tains that drew up their summits before, as 
if to shut out all hopes that he could accom- 
plish his ardent desire. Weary, dispirited, 
and ready to despair, he came suddenly upon 
an open space among the low underwood 
that covered the valley where he was wan- 
dering, and upon looking narrowly he ob- 
served that it was filled with water. He 
could see the clear reflection of the bright 
evening star that was just declining to her 
rest, and that was peeping into the foun- 
tain : — 



WARM SPRINGS. 57 

1 Like a bride full of blushes, just lingering to take 
A last look in her mirror, at night, ere she goes.' 

u By this translucent reflection, he could per- 
ceive that the water was clear, and its depth 
he could discern by the pebbles that glistened 
in the star-light from the bottom. He saw, 
too, that the water was continually flowing 
off, and supplying a stream that ran rippling 
away among the roots of the oaks that sur- 
rounded the spot ; and as he stooped to taste 
the liquid element, he found it warm, as if 
inviting him to relax his chilled limbs by 
bathing in its tepid bosom. 

M He laid aside his bow and quiver, unstrung 
his pouch from his brawny shoulder, took off 
his mocassins, and plunged in. A new life 
invigorated his wearied spirit, new strength 
seemed given to his almost rigid nerves ; he 
swam, he dived, he lay prostrate upon the 
genial waves in a sort of dreaming ecstacy of 
delight ; and when the first dawn of day 
broke over the rock-crowned hill, at the foot 
of which the Spring of Strength lay enshrin- 
ed, the young Leopard came forth from his 
watery couch, and strode proudly up the 
mountain < where path there was none.' 



58 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

He was i a young giant, rejoicing to run his 
course.' Full of new fire and vigour, he man- 
fully sped on his way ; and upon the eve of 
that day, when the chiefs and the sons of 
chiefs were seated around the solemn coun- 
cil-fire, no one of them all was found more 
graceful in address, more commanding in 
manner, more pleasing in look, and sagacious 
in policy, than the young Appalachian 
Leopard who bathed in the Spring of 
Strength" 

Col. Perkins says : " The water is perfectly 
transparent, and almost as buoyant as the 
Dead Sea, as described by Stevens. Bubbles 
are constantly rising from the bottom ; the 
fact that when empty it takes but fifteen 
minutes to fill it, shows the abundant supply 
of this Mountain Spring." All who have de- 
scribed this noble fountain, write with enthu- 
siasm ; nor is it indeed to be wondered at, for 
the world may well be challenged for its equal. 
Its temperature, buoyancy, refractive power, 
transparency — all invest it with indescribable 
luxury to the feelings and to the sight. 

The effect on the human form is dazzling. 
Could Damon have caught a glance at his 



WARM SPRINGS. 59 

Musidora in such a pool, it were indeed a trial 
of" love's respectful modesty"' to withdraw his 
gaze — 

" Then to the flood she rush'd ; the parted flood 

Its lovely guest with closing waves received, 

And every beauty softening, every grace 

Flushing anew, a mellow lustre shed ; 

As shines the lily, through the crystal mild ; 

Or as the rose amid the morning dew, 

Fresh from Aurora's hand, more sweetly glows." 

Thus far we have looked on the sunny side 
of the picture ; we regret that a regard to 
truth requires us to introduce more of the 
sombre than is agreeable. Tempting, then, 
as is this pellucid fountain, it is necessary that 
the traveller should know there is danger in 
the indulgence. Experience, fatal in some 
cases, has taught this fact. 

Dr. Huntt makes the following statement : 
" On the third evening I arrived at the Warm 
Springs, a distance of two hundred and thirty 
miles from Washington ; and immediately after 
getting out of the stage, I plunged into the 
delightful bath at that place, an imprudence 
against which I would earnestly caution all 
invalids, who arrive after a long journey with 



60 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the whole system exhausted by fatigue. The 
consequence in my own case warrants me in 
pronouncing it fraught with great danger. 
While in the bath, its effects were very grate- 
ful and pleasant ; but shortly after leaving it 
I became chilly, and this feeling was followed 
by hot skin, intense headache, and pain in 
the chest." 

Many years ago, when afflicted with hemor- 
rhages, pain in the chest, cough, quick pulse, 
and other indications of pulmonary disease, 
we committed a like imprudence, and the re- 
sult was precisely similar to that described by 
Dr. Huntt. 

We have known several hemorrhages in- 
duced by bathing in this Spring, and indeed 
where there is predisposition, they may be 
looked for with much certainty. Would an 
unmedicated bath of 96° produce the same 
effect under similar circumstances ? We are 
sure it would not ; and in such a condition 
as that of Dr. Huntt on his arrival, we are 
certain that a plain bath of equal temperature 
would have abstracted caloric from his fever- 
ish, excited system, and calmed, refreshed, and 
invigorated him. We do not hear of similar 



WARM SPRINGS. 61 

injury done by the bath of the same tempera- 
ture at the Hot Springs. 

It is produced by the excess of nitrogen or 
azotic gas in the water. Largely over nine- 
tenths of those beautiful bubbles rising from 
the bottom are supposed to be of this gas : the 
remainder are carbonic acid gas. Atmospheric 
air consists of 21 parts of oxygen gas. and 79 
of azotic gas. The latter undiluted is irre- 
spirable. and being in excess produces great 
distress in the pulmonary apparatus. The 
lungs make efforts to take in oxygen, the dia- 
phragm is spasmodically raised, the heart is 
compressed and excited, the quality of the 
blood itself is impaired by defective oxygena- 
tion — the lungs, or pleura, or both, become 
congested : rupture of blood vessels takes 
place, or pleurisy, pneumonia, or irritation of 
the mucous surfaces supervenes. In a word. 
such a catastrophe may be productive of in- 
calculable evils. That this is the true expla- 
nation of the pathological condition produced 
by the bath is evident, when we find that re- 
maining half an hour in the house, without 
bathing at all. produces similar phenomena. 
Now. in our own case, robust as we seem, we 
6 



62 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

dare not remain in the atmosphere of the 
Spring fifteen minutes, and we have seen 
others who were affected like ourselves. 

We desire not to be understood as asserting 
that the greater portion of those who enjoy the 
luxury of this delightful bath, cannot do so 
with safety and advantage ; but as intimating 
that the exceptions are sufficiently numerous 
to justify caution in its use. 

We have perceived that a writer in the 
Southern Literary Messenger of May last, has 
charged us with " an effort to detract from 
the value of the Bath, by representing these 
gases as hurtful to those 'who are afflicted 
with hemorrhages, pain in the chest, cough, 
quick pulse and other indications of pulmo- 
nary disease.' "* In order to prove to the wri- 
ter in the Messenger that we had not any sin- 
ister object in view in our remarks upon the pe- 
culiar effect of the atmosphere of the Bath on 
ourselves and others, we cheerfully give a place 
to the well-written article from the Messenger. 
In every case in which our positions are con- 
troverted or our opinions doubted, we desire to 
place before the reader both sides of the ques- 

* It will be seen that the quotation in the Messenger is 
imperfect. 



WARM SPRINGS. 



63 



tion, and then he can judge for himself. 
Were we to enter into an elaborate argument 
to sustain every opinion and to refute every 
objection, we should indeed bring upon our- 
selves a Herculean labour. In the present 
case we ask of the reader a careful perusal of 
our remarks, and then of the commentary 
upon them, and we are sure he will perceive 
that the commentator yields all for which 
we contended, viz. that great caution is neces- 
sary in the use of so stimulating an agent. 
As to the opinion of Dr. Beddoes, which is 
relied on, the writer should have seen that it 
does not apply. A preponderance of one of 
the component parts of the atmosphere is one 
thing ; great excess, as in this case, is another. 
We never intended to convey the idea that 
there was danger to healthy, nor even to 
slightly indisposed persons, in bathing in the 
Warm Springs ; but we do assert that no sane 
man ought to advise a man afflicted with 
hemorrhages, pain in the chest, cough, quick 
pulse, and other indications of pulmonary dis- 
ease, to bathe in that water. 

Within the three last years, our old friend 
Col. Fry removed, first to Richmond, and af < 



64 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

terwards to Charlottesville, where he paid the 
debt of nature. 

For the last two years the Springs have 
been under the immediate control of the pro- 
prietor, Dr. John Brockenbrough, former Pre- 
sident of the Bank of Virginia. He has se- 
lected that place as his summer retreat, and 
there we hope the nymphs of the fountain 
will annually seethe him to re-juvenescence, 
so that for many, many years, he may adorn 
society as one of the last of the " gentlemen 
of the old school" — a generation, now, alas ! 
rapidly passing away. 

The aspect of the place is very much im- 
proved, within two years. There is great 
neatness and scrupulous cleanliness all 
through the establishment. We found the 
managers obliging and the servants among 
the best in Virginia ; in fine, we saw nothing 
to find fault with, but every thing calculated 
to produce comfort. 



WARM SPRINGS. 65 



{Southern Literary Messenger.) 

These Springs are situated in a beautiful 
but narrow valley in the county of Bath, be- 
tween two ranges of lofty mountains, running 
parallel from North-East, to South- West ; lying 
about 170 miles nearly West from Richmond, 
and on the direct turnpike road leading through 
Staunton, and by the Hot and White Sul- 
phur Springs, to Guyandotte, on the Ohio 
river. 

The views from many points of the Warm 
Springs mountain, especially from the Gap 
where the road crosses, and from the Rock, 
(2,700 feet above tide water,) are much cele- 
brated for their grandeur. These Springs 
have long been famed for their mineral and 
medicinal qualities, having been resorted to by 
invalids from the tide water country, in search 
of health, for nearly seventy years past. The 
land was patented so the enterprising Lewis 
family, by Governor Fauquier, in the year 
1760. Some years elapsed thereafter, before 
there was even a wagon road over the. Warm 
Springs mountain ; the traces of a Warehouse 
are still visible at the Eastern base of the 
6* 



66 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

mountain, where the wagons were unloaded 
and their contents transferred to pack-horses 
and distributed throughout the western coun- 
try, this side of the Ohio river. There is now 
an excellent and well-graded road over this 
mountain. Many tales are related, by the 
older inhabitants of this part of the country, 
of the discovery and use made of these waters 
by the Indians, which are probably, in part, 
fabulous, but it is well ascertained that soon 
after the discovery of them by civilized man, 
they became celebrated for their curative qual- 
ities in various diseases, as well as for the lux- 
ury of bathing ; that they were frequented at 
much labour and fatigue by great multitudes, 
before any other than the Sweet Springs, of 
the valuable watering places in Western Vir- 
ginia, were known. 

For the general effects of the Warm Bath 
on numerous cases of disease, we may refer to 
the work of Dr. Bell, " on Baths and Mineral 
Waters." He enumerates the following dis- 
eases, in which the Warm Bath, from 95° to 
98°, will exert a curative agency, viz. : 
" Acute pain, with irregular and convulsive 
action of the muscles ; convulsions of children 
and hysterical affections of females ; mania 



WARM SPRINGS. 67 

and mental derangement generally ; bilious 
cholic; infantile cholera and cholera morbus ; 
chronic diarrhoea 5 croup ; catarrh ; bronchitis, 
in chronic form ; asthma ; organic affections of 
the heart; chronic affections of the liver; ne- 
phritic disorders ; amenorrhcea ; affections of 
the skin in various forms ; violent cases of 
gout ; chronic rheumatism ; suppression of 
perspiration and pains in the muscles and 
joints ; pains in the limbs, following a mercu- 
rial course ; paralytic affections," &c. In all 
these cases the Warm Bath acts as a powerful 
auxiliary to the appropriate remedies prescrib- 
ed by the physician. After the fatigue and 
exhaustion of a long journey, or other severe 
exercise, the Warm Bath is peculiarly adapted 
to the refreshment and renovation of the 
body, and to the composure of the mind, as 
well as of the nervous system. It is well 
known that the Emperor Napoleon always re- 
sorted to it during the toils of his various 
campaigns, declaring that it had the effect of 
soothing and refreshing him. Dr. Darwin re- 
marks, " to those who are past the meridian 
of life, and have dry skins, and begin to be 
emaciated, the Warm Bath, for half an hour, 
twice a week, 1 believe to be eminently ser- 



68 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

viceable in retarding the advances of age." 
Those truly practical philosophers, Dr. Frank- 
lin and Count Rumford, bear testimony to the 
benefits of the Warm Bath, by using it to 
late periods of their lives ; and in the South- 
ern countries of Europe it is deemed as essen- 
tial to the preservation of health, as it is to 
cleanliness and comfort. Of the luxurious 
Baths of Egypt, Greece and Rome, we have 
the most florid descriptions in all the histories 
of those countries. 

With regard to the use of the Baths at the 
Warm Springs, it may be safely remarked, 
that the pleasure and voluptuousness of bath- 
ing in them are such as, in a great measure, 
to supersede the idea of their more valuable 
properties, as medicinal waters ; on the princi- 
ple, perhaps, that remedies grateful to the pal- 
ate are never so efficacious to the patient as 
those which are more nauseous. It is not 
pretended that these waters act as a panacea 
in all cases, or that they may not be injudi- 
ciously used, but many cases might be cited in 
which the Warm Springs' Bath, especially 
when resorted to for some weeks, and aided 
by the internal use of the water, has been at- 
tended with the happiest effects. In dyspep- 



WARM SPRINGS. 69 

sia of long standing, there have been some 
remarkable instances of permanent cure from 
a daily bath, and half a dozen glasses of wa- 
ter drunk at the fountain, when persisted in 
for six or seven weeks. In chronic rheuma- 
tism and paralytic affections^ similar effects 
have been produced by the same course: but 
it is the misfortune of those who labour under 
chronic diseases, that they are prone to expect 
relief in a short time, and become impatient 
under those slow and alterative remedies that 
can alone restore them to health. Such com- 
plaints, in nine case out of ten, yield only to a 
judicious course of treatment, long persisted 
in. There is no remedy yet discovered, by 
the medical faculty, which will at once cure 
them, and it is no rash opinion that the Warm 
Spring Bath, with the water taken internally, 
assisted by proper regimen, moderate exercise 
and pure air, will have more efficacy in many 
chronic diseases, than all the drugs that can 
be prescribed by the faculty. The tempera- 
ture of these medicinal waters affords a gentle 
stimulus to the surface and causes it to cast 
off its impurities, while it disposes the skin to 
absorb a certain portion of the fluid, with the 
substances held in solution by it. This, in it- 



70 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

self, is of great benefit to the invalid, while to 
a person in health, the most pleasurable and 
soothing sensations are excited, particularly 
when friction is employed on coming out of 
the Bath. From the immense quantity of 
gas rising from the bottom of the Baths at the 
Warm Springs, in innumerable and beautiful 
little bubbles, like globules of quicksilver in 
appearance, and which add so much to the 
delightful sensations when bathing in these 
noble reservoirs, an effort has been made to 
detract from the value of the Bath, by repre- 
senting these gases as hurtful to those " who 
are afflicted with hemorrhages from the lungs, 
pains in the chest and other indications of 
pulmonary disease." Without entering on 
any fine spun theory on this point ; it may be 
observed, that persons labouring under such 
diseases, whether incipient or advanced, are 
usually oppressed when breathing an atmos- 
phere highly charged with vapour, and while 
it would not be recommended to consumptive 
patients to use these Baths, it may safely be 
averred that there is no quality in the gases, 
rising from them, peculiarly injurious in such 
cases. Consumptive patients, it is well 
known, have more to apprehend from an ex- 



WARM SPRINGS. 71 

cess of oxygen in the air they breathe, than 
from any other quality in the atmosphere, and 
no experienced Physician would recommend 
to those who are predisposed to, or are labour- 
ing under phthisis pulmonalis, to resort to 
what is termed pure mountain air : the effects 
of all the mineral waters, or other internal 
remedies that can be taken, are more than 
counteracted by such a climate. The mild 
and temperate regions of the South, even 
where marsh miasma prevails, are preferred, 
for such patients, to the keen air of the moun- 
tains, abounding with an over proportion of 
oxygen, for weak or diseased lungs. The cel- 
ebrated Dr. Beddoes, so eminent in consump- 
tive cases, recommended to his patients thus 
afflicted, to sleep over cow-houses, where the 
proportion of oxygen in the air was less, and 
that of azote greater. That the smell of the 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas, which rises from 
the Warm Bath, affects, in some instances, 
persons of particular Idiosyncracies, (some- 
times only for a few moments,) is most true ; 
and so there are persons who faint at the 
smell of the tuberose, or iris, in a close room, 
or even at the fragrance of the damask rose. 
But, that there is nothing deleterious in the 



72 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

gases rising from the Warm Spring Bath, is 
established by the fact that a Bath keeper, for 
thirty or forty years, slept in one of the dress- 
ing-rooms, during the Bathing seasons, and at 
last died of dropsy at the advanced age of 90. 
His successor, who has been almost constantly 
in attendance for the last 15 years, is also a 
remarkably robust and healthy man. These 
facts are the best commentary on the assertion 
that " remaining half an hour in the house, 
without bathing at all, produces great dan- 
ger." 

The following analysis of the water of the 
Warm Springs, was made in the year 1835, 
by Professor Rogers, of the University of Vir- 
ginia, and is, doubtless, very nearly correct. 
" The large Bath is an octagon, 3S feet in di- 
ameter; its area is 1163.77 feet. The ordi- 
nary depth being five feet," (it can be increas- 
ed to six;) " the cubic capacity is 5818.86 
feet, or 43,533.32 gallons ; notwithstanding 
the leaks, this quantity of water will flaw into 
the reservoir in one hour. The average tem- 
perature of the Bath is 98 degrees, Fahren- 
heit. The gas which rises in the Bath con- 
sists of Nitrogen ; with minute quantities of 
Sulphuretted Hydrogen and Carbonic Acid. 



WARM SPRINGS. 73 

Besides this gas, each gallon of water contains 
4.5 cubic inches of gas, consisting of nitro- 
gen 3.25 cubic inches. 
Sulphur. Hydrogen 0.25 do. 
Carbonic Acid 1.00 do. 
The saline contents of one gallon of the 
water are as follows : 

Muriate of Lime - - - 3.968 

Sulphate of Magnesia (Epsom Salts) 9.984 
Carbonate of Lime - - 4.288 

Sulphate of Lime - - 5.466 

And a trace of Soda - - 0.000 



23.706 

From this account it appears, that these 
waters contain neutral salts and various gases, 
which act as a gentle aperient, diuretic, and 
diaphoretic. The large proportion of epsom 
salts, (nearly one-half,) is not only ascertained 
by analysis, but by the formation of the beau- 
tiful crystals from the spray, as the water falls 
over the Hood-gate. This salt, doubtless, 
gives the water its aperient quality, while the 
carbonic acid and sulphuretted hydrogen, give 
tone and vigour to the stomach. In Europe 
it is found that the tepid waters tend more to 
strengthen the digestive organs than those of 



74 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

a low temperature, more especially in gouty 
patients, but the water of the Warm Springs 
loses nothing of its aperient quality by being 
cooled in closely stopped bottles, and it, be- 
comes more palatable to many by that pro- 
cess. 

With regard to Bathing, some precautions 
are necessary and proper. No person in a 
high fever, or under a high inflammatory dia- 
thesis should use the bath ; when the inflam- 
matory symptoms have been reduced by eva- 
cuants and depletion, he can resort to it with 
advantage and will find it to soothe him. 
From experience it has been ascertained that 
it is injudicious to go into the Bath after a full 
meal. In the morning, before breakfast, when 
the stomach is empty, or an hour before din- 
ner, are the best times to bathe. Some per- 
sons prefer taking the Bath just before going 
to bed, and it generally produces a gentle per- 
spiration, followed by refreshing sleep, if none, 
or a very light supper has been taken. It has 
often been remarked that visiters, after pass- 
ing some time at that most valuable of all 
our watering places, the White Sulphur, im- 
prove in health most rapidly at the Warm 
Springs, which become the general resort for 



WARM SPRINGS. 75 

ten days or a fortnight after the circuit of the 
more Western Springs has been made. Be- 
sides the large octagonal Bath, there has late- 
ly been erected a second, or " Lady's Bath," 
neatly finished and of equal depth, and before 
the next season a third, or " Spout Bath," 
will be in readiness. The " drinking Spring" 
will also be much improved in appearance be- 
fore that time. The rise and flow of water 
from the Spring and Baths, is estimated at six 
thousand gallons a minute, and form a stream 
sufficient to drive the wheel of a large mill. 
The accommodations and comforts at the 
Warm Springs are equal to those of any other 
watering place in Virginia, but are limited in 
extent. The natural scenery is beautiful, but 
as the place was originally laid out for a vil- 
lage, the public road passing by the Court- 
house and the hotel prevents a judicious or 
tasteful arrangement of the grounds about it. 
The square containing the Spring and Baths 
is, however, in the progress of improvement. 
With the delicious climate in summer and au- 
tumn, the Warm Springs afford a delightful 
sojourn for some weeks, in those seasons of 
the year. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



HOT SPRINGS. 



Travelling west, five miles from the 
Warm Springs you reach the Hot Springs. 
This property is owned by Dr. Thomas 
Goode, a physician of high standing for ta- 
lents and experience, and a man in the hones- 
ty of whose advice we think entire reliance 
may be placed. 

Dr. G. is a tall, gentlemanly man, of great 
conversational powers and extensive informa- 
tion. He is high-toned, and by some would 
be termed supercilious in his manners ; the 
remarks we made on the subject of his neigh- 
bour, though not intended for him, are never- 
theless applicable to his case. His education 
and early habits of life were too high-pitched 
for such an occupation, and should serve as 
an apology for any deficiency in the art of 
pleasing. 

Whatever may be the opinion of Dr. Goode's 



HOT SPRINGS. 77 

manner, however, all will acknowledge that 
his fare is excellent and plentiful, and served 
with neatness and comfort, and all his arrange- 
ments conducive to the great object he has in 
view — the physical improvement of his pa- 
tients. We presume his accommodations are 
ample for 150 persons. 

" The Hot Springs (Bell) are three in num- 
ber. One of them is of the temperature of 
96° Fahrenheit, and of a moderate depth, and 
sufficiently capacious for several persons to 
bathe at a time. Spout Bath 103. Hot Bath 
108." 

" The temperature (Col. Perkins) of the 
Spout Bath is 106°. These baths are particu- 
larly resorted to by persons afflicted with gout, 
rheumatism, eruptions of the skin, and other 
disorders enumerated in the printed accounts 
of the Springs. There are two baths in which 
the water may be taken at six feet fall on any 
part of the body ; the column of water is three 
by four inches, and when taken at the whole 
height of the fall, must prove beneficial to rheu- 
matic patients and others where the douche 
is required. As one of the baths is capacious, 
it is used as a swimming bath by the sick, as 
7* 



78 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

well as those who are travelling for pleasure ; 
and afforded the writer great delight as well 
as benefit." 

It will be seen by the analysis of the Hot 
Springs, that they are not obnoxious to the 
charge brought against the Warm — of an ex- 
cess of nitrogen gas ; they may, therefore, be 
used in all cases in which any water of their 
temperature is admissible ; but as the Hot 
bath is decidedly stimulating to the human 
system, it is always proper, if not absolutely 
necessary, to obtain the best advice before we 
have recourse to so powerful an agent. There 
cannot be the slightest doubt of the high cura- 
tive power of the Hot Springs, and nothing is 
more certain than that they are destined to 
become extensively useful in a country of 
such variable climate as ours, and in which 
rheumatic affections must necessarily be so 
general ; but, on the other hand, if improperly 
applied, we know of no agent which may pro- 
duce a greater amount of mischief. Dr. G. is 
directly interested in having those baths judi- 
ciously and successfully administered, and we 
have ourselves entire confidence that he has 
the ability to discriminate, and the candour to 



HOT SPRINGS. 79 

advise, under what circumstances they may 
or may not be used. We had written thus 
far when a pamphlet entitled the V Invalid's 
Guide to the Virginia Hot Springs." prepared 
and published by Dr. Goode, came into our 
hands, and we unhesitatingly avail ourselves 
of the information it contains for the benefit 
of our readers. 

M There are six baths at this place, each 
supplied with water from a separate Spring ; 
they range in temperature from 9 S to 106 de- 
grees of heat. The effects of these waters in 
disease prove that they are highly medicated, 
though they are considered by many as simple 
hot water. They are known to contain sulp. 
and carb. of lime, sulp. soda and magnesia, 
a minute portion of muriate of iron, carb. 
acid gas, nitrogen gas, and a trace of sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas ; and when used inter- 
nally, the consequences are such as we might 
expect from our knowledge of some of their 
constituent parts." 

"But the chemical composition of a mineral 

water can lead to no safe conclusions as to its 

* medical powers. Its most potent part may be 

incapable of analysis, or destroyed by the pro- 



80 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

cess ; and its mere properties cannot be de- 
veloped by analysis ; our only sure test is 
experience of the actual result when applied 
to the diseased human system. I have been 
at the Hot Springs for six entire seasons, and 
have watched their effects on several thousand 
invalids, with all the interest which owner- 
ship could excite ; and the result of my ex- 
perience is as follows : — These waters taken 
internally, are anti-acid, mildly aperient, and 
freely diuretic and diaphoretic. But when 
used as a general bath, their effects are great, 
and excel all expectation. They equalize an 
unbalanced circulation, and thereby restore 
the different important parts of the system, 
when torpid, — that natural and peculiar sensi- 
bility, upon the existence of which their ca- 
pacity to perform their several functions, and 
the beneficial action of all remedies, depend ; 
they relax contracted tendons, excite the ac- 
tion of the absorbent system, promote glandu- 
lar secretion, exert a marked and salutary 
influence over the whole biliary system, and 
often relieve, in a short time, excruciating 
pain caused by palpable and long standing' 
disease of some vital organ." 



HOT SPRINGS. 81 

The following interesting letter, addressed 
to Dr. Goode, and received by us after we had 
written our remarks on uterine diseases in our 
article on the Red Sulphur, will be found to 
coincide with our views of the important 
agency of the Hot Springs in dysmemorrha- 
gia, or painful menstruation. Dr. Howard was 
formerly professor of midwifery and the dis- 
eases of women and children in the Univer- 
sity of Maryland, and is now professor in the 
medical department of the University of Vir- 
ginia : — 

" University of Virginia, Dec. 10, 1 841. 
" Dr. Thomas Goode : 

" Dear Sir, — I have just received your letter 
of the 7th inst., soliciting my opinion and ex- 
perience of the remedial effects of the waters 
of the Hot Springs in chronic diarrhoea and 
difficult menstruation. 

" In reply to your inquiry, I may state that 
for many years, but most particularly for the 
last ten, and during my residence in Balti- 
more, I have advised all my patients who 
were afflicted with chronic diarrhoea or pain- 
ful menstruation, that resisted medical treat- 
ment, to avail themselves of the medical 



82 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

powers of the Hot Springs ; and I do not now 
recollect of an instance, when the proper pre- 
paratory measures and indispensable aux- 
iliary regimen to the use of the Baths were 
strictly observed and persevered in, in which 
my expectations of the efficacy of the waters 
were disappointed. 

"It is true that a few cases have occurred 
in which the patient returned to me without 
receiving any relief, and some have claimed 
my attention in which the diseases appeared 
aggravated ; but in all these cases it was as- 
certained, that either the preparatory measures 
necessary to be adopted previous to taking 
the baths, or the auxiliary regimen to be used 
simultaneously with bathing, were not rigidly 
adhered to. 

" I feel constrained by the result of my ob- 
servation and experience during my visit to 
the Hot Springs, to state, that I believe that 
those waters are so potent for injury as well 
as benefit to those afflicted with chronic di- 
arrhoea or painful menstruation, that none 
such should use them without the advice of 
a physician, conversant with their qualities. 
And physicians, when recommending this 



HOT SPRINGS. 83 

watering-place to their patients, should make 
them aware, that travelling and its incidents 
sometimes convert chronic into acute affec- 
tions, and that a regimen and course of medi- 
cal treatment, very proper in the former state, 
may be highly improper in the latter con- 
dition. I am respectfully yours, 

H. Howard, M. D." 

The invalid's attention is especially invited 
to the annexed cases, as illustrative of the 
sanative effects of these waters, when properly 
and perseveringly applied. 

Cases shotting the benefit from the use of 
the Waters at the Hot Springs. 

" In April, 1833, 1 was seized with cholera in 
a southern climate, from which I had scarcely 
recovered when intermittent fever attacked 
me. This continued at intervals until Sep- 
tember, when congestive fever intervened, 
and continued with great violence for the 
space of nine days, and only subsided to give 
place to the intermittent again. From this, 
morbid appetite began to prey upon me. The 
ague alternated with a severe dysentery until 



84 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

March, 1834. Ostematous swellings of the 
lower extremities made their appearance, but 
gave way to the use of alteratives and 
muriated tincture of iron. I became much 
emaciated and debilitated ; my spleen became 
much enlarged ; an excessively morbid con- 
dition of the stomach continued ; an ungov- 
ernable craving for food of the grossest des- 
cription, and other indigestible substances. 
In the mean time, an uncontrollable diarrhoea, 
which has given me more uneasiness than 
every other symptom, came on. 

"During nearly three years every article of 
diet swallowed would ferment, produce the 
most distressing cardialgia, and run off from 
the bowels by profuse watery evacuations. 
The spleen in the left side, and swelling of 
the stomach and intestines, was great and 
painful. The irritability of the alimentary 
canal was so great that the smallest portions 
of calomel or blue pill, combined with opiates, 
would produce an hypercatharsis, sometimes 
almost fatal ; neither food nor medicine 
agreed with me. In this state of almost des- 
pair, I visited the White Sulphur Springs, and 
finding that the water disagreed with me, 



HOT SPRINGS. 85 

inasmuch as it proved too drastic, I deter- 
mined to visit the Hot Springs. 

" For the first two weeks of using the bath 
I had a bilious dejection, which had not oc- 
curred for eight months. In four days' time 
my diarrhoea ceased, and my evacuations be- 
came almost healthy in complexion. I had 
been very much annoyed with haemorrhoids 
for fifteen months, which were relieved by 
the Spout Bath in three days. The improve- 
ment in my complexion was so great that the 
visiters would remark, ' Why, doctor, you will 
soon be well. 5 My spleen was reduced about 
one half, the abdominal muscles became re- 
laxed and soft, my strength and activity were 
much improved, and every symptom seemed 
to give way to the use of the bath. 

A. Y. Watsox, M. D." 

" Hot Springs, 29th August, 1833. 
u In the month of January, 1806, during my 
attendance on the Virginia Legislature, of 
which I was then a member, I was very sorely 
afflicted with an attack of inflammatory rheu- 
matism ; and about the first of July, in the 
same year, after the disease had assumed a 



86 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

chronic state, I arrived at the Hot Springs in 
Virginia much debilitated, requiring two per- 
sons to put me in and take me out of the car- 
riage. I remained at the Springs sixty-three 
days, using the bath once every day except 
three. I was weighed the day I got to the 
Springs, and also on the day I left them ; and 
if I was correctly weighed, I gained sixty 
pounds in weight in sixty-three days, and re- 
mained free from that complaint for upwards 
of twenty years. H. Calloway, 

of Franklin County." 

"In 1826, 1 had a protracted attack of bilious 
fever, which left me in this condition. My 
stomach and bowels being much disordered, 
accompanied with great flatulency, gave me 
from 4 to 6 passages every 24 hours, and 
sometimes oftener ; my stools mixed with 
blood more or less, and sometimes with mat- 
ter very offensive. At length a tumor formed 
in the lower intestine about the size of a 
small walnut, attended with great heat and 
itching, which ultimately broke, and I occa- 
sionally discharged considerable quantities of 
blood and matter by stool. I then thought, and 



HOT SPRINGS. 87 

still think, that the whole rectum was much 
diseased, and I should be compelled to submit 
to an operation or fall a victim to the disease. 
In addition to many other sufferings, in the 
fall of 1831, I had a severe rheumatic attack, 
which pervaded my whole muscular system, 
but was most distressing about my breast, 
chest, bowels and hips. In this situation, 
about the first of July following, I went to 
the Hot Springs barely able to sit up, and 
used the waters freely, drinking and bathing 
until the 30th of August, when I left them 
much relieved in every way. The ensuing 
summer I again returned to the Hot Springs, 
and used the waters by drinking and bathing 
until the last of August, when I returned 
home entirely relieved of bowel disease and 
nearly so of my rheumatism. I have again 
this summer visited these Springs, where I 
have been for three weeks using the waters 
as before, and believe myself entirely relieved 
of all my complaints, except a little stiffness 
in my hips and back. 

" The above statement is believed to be en- 
tirely correct, and if you think it will be of 
any service to you, or to sufferers in a similar 



88 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

situation, you may make any use of it that 
you think proper. Very respectfully, yours, 
Henry Calloway. 

August 30th, 1834. 
To Dr. Goode." 



" Hot Springs, Va., July 27th, 1838. 
" Dr. Thomas Goode : 

" Dear Sir, — At your request, and for the 
benefit of the afflicted, I give you as near as I 
can, a statement of my case, which has been 
complicated and difficult to describe. I am a 
resident of Detroit, State of Michigan. In July, 
1829, 1 was attacked with a bilious fever and 
severe inflammation of the stomach, and was 
reduced very low by bleeding and medicine. 
I remained in a feeble state about six months, 
when an ulcer came out on the side of my 
ancle nearly the size of a dollar. This has 
continued on one or the other, and sometimes 
on both of my ancles, ever since except about 
two months in March and April last. My 
legs have been so much swelled, that I have 
been compelled to bandage them to the knee, 
most of the time. About three years ago, a 
rheumatic disease set in, the cords of my legs 



HOT SPRINGS. 



89 



swelled to the knees, and at times to the body, 
(mostly on the inside) with hard lumps on 
the cords frequently as large as hickory nuts, 
and extremely painful. 

" In this state I remained hobbling about, 
confined to my room about one-fourth of the 
time, and had the advice and attendance of 
our most celebrated physicians, without much 
benefit, until about the 1st of January last, 
when it extended to my hips and back, and 
confined me to my bed ; my bowels at the 
same time became swollen, so that a dropsy 
was feared, with a soreness about the region 
of the stomach and liver. I also had the piles 
very badly, and ulcers continued to form and 
break in the rectum, and pass off with my 
stools with a great deal of pain. In this con- 
dition I remained until about the 1st of May, 
when I was advised to try the Virginia Springs. 
I arrived at the White Sulphur Springs on the 
8th of June, on crutches, with one foot and 
leg so much swollen that I feared it would 
burst. 

u At the end of two weeks I was again able 
to ride, when I came to the Hot Springs, and 
put myself under your charge. For the first 
8* 



90 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ten days I commenced bathing I got no relief; 
my pain rather increased. At this time there 
appeared to be a copious discharge of bile from 
the liver ; and from that time my health has im- 
proved rapidly every way. The rheumatic dis- 
ease and piles are very nearly cured, the ulcers 
on my ancles assume a healthy appearance^ 
and look as if they would soon heal. The 
swellings about the bowels have subsided, and 
the pain in my stomach and liver has nearly left 
me. I would also state, that twenty-one years 
ago I divided the tendons of the left foot by a 
cut with an axe, and when it healed the cords 
seemed fast to the bone, and I have had little 
or no use of those toes since. The effect of 
these hot baths has been to remove that stiff- 
ness, and loosen the tendons so that I can now 
move the toes quite well. 

" I have taken in the last five weeks that I 
have been here, sixteen Sweat and twenty 
Spout baths, and I now feel better than at any 
time in the last five or six years. 

Elliot Gray." 

"In the summer of 1836 I visited the Vir- 
ginia Springs, with liver disease, as stated by 



HOT SPRINGS. 91 

many physicians. I used the Sulphur Waters 
for some time, but without any decided effect. 
I then came to the Hot Springs, and after 
using the Spout bath for a few days, the pain 
in the right side, from a dull, increased to an 
acute, which induced me to apply to Dr. 
Goode for advice. He gave me ten grains of 
calomel, which brought about a most happy 
change in my feelings and health ; producing 
copious discharges of dark bilious matter, 
when forty grains, often before taken, pro- 
duced but a limited effect. 

" From the Hot Springs I returned to the 
White Sulphur, and the water then acted 
freely on my bowels. 

James L. Coleman, of Geo. 

"Hot Springs, 14th August, 1837." 

" Hot Springs, August, 1837. 
" To Dr. Goode : 

" Dear Sir, — I give you the following state- 
ment of my case. About ten years ago I became 
dyspeptic, and was unwell in the usual way, 
when at length I became much worse ; almost 
every thing taken in the stomach produced 
pain, and frequently violent spasms, which 



92 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

threatened death. I experienced no relief ex- 
cept when under the influence of calomel. 
Tiring of which, after suffering for about 
two years, I determined to try the Sulphur 
Waters. 

" I commenced at the White Sulphur, but 
the water disagreed with me, and I then went 
to the Salt Sulphur, understanding that the 
water there was more purgative ; for you 
must know that my bowels were invariably 
constipated. After using the water for two 
days, 1 had a violent attack of spasm, which 
was relieved by a hot bath. I then came im- 
mediately to the Hot Springs. My stomach 
was so much debilitated that I was compelled 
to live exclusively on milk and mush, and the 
like bland food. The first meal I took at the 
Hot Springs was milk and mush, which 
brought on pain, threatening spasm. I went 
immediately to the Spout bath, and from that 
day to this I have been entirely exempt from 
the disease. I bathed every day, sometimes 
twice, and in a few days I was enabled to eat 
of every thing at the table, including dessert 
of all kinds. Williams Carter, 

of Hanover." 



HOT SPRINGS. 



93 



« Baltimore. 12th February, 1839. 

'•' Dear Sir. — In compliance with your re- 
quest, I transmit you an account of my case. 
In the latter part of 1S36. I had a violent at- 
tack of cholica pictonum, or white lead dis- 
ease ; which, in despite of the most energetic 
treatment, terminated in a paralysis of my 
arms and hands, which deprived me almost 
entirely of the use of them, with great emacia- 
tion and genera] debility and prostration. 

•'•' All remedies failing, my medical advisers 
recommended a visit to the Virginia Springs. 
Thither I repaired in June, 1S37, and passed 
two weeks at the White Sulphur Spring, but 
without any evident effect from the use of the 
waters. At the end of two weeks I removed 
to the Hot Springs, and commenced the use 
of the Spout bath immediately. In a few days 
there was evident improvement in my con- 
dition, and after six weeks (using the Spout 
bath every day) I found the use of my hands 
and arms and my general health restored. 
The use of my hands and arms has never 
failed me since, nor does there appear to be a 
vestige of my disease in my system. 

" My friends and myself attribute my re 



94 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

covery entirely to the waters of the Hot 
Springs. Very respectfully and truly yours, 
Charles S. Lewis." 

" Lynchburg, Feb. 5th, 1839. 

" Dear Sir, — I received on yesterday your 
message from Mr. Seth Ward ; it affords me 
pleasure to comply. 

" In the years 1828 and '29 my daughter had 
a severe, protracted, and complicated illness. 
The whole of one side became greatly para- 
lyzed, and so continued for about fifteen 
months. In the season of 1829, we took her 
to the Hot Springs ; she used the bath be- 
tween three and four weeks. During the 
latter part of the visit, she was enabled to 
move the toes in a small degree. Under the 
direction of her physician, Dr. G. A. Rose, 
she gradually improved, but remained unable 
to move alone. The next season, A. D. 1830, 
we took her again to the Hot Springs. 

" By the use of the bath she soon became 
able to walk ; her general health gradually 
improved. She is now healthy and active. 
" Yours respectfully, Wm. S. Reid. 
To Dr. Goode." 



HOT SPRINGS. 95 

" Hot Springs, 7th August, 1833. 
" Dr. Goode : 

"Sir, — The case of rheumatism you desired 
the particulars of was that of Mr. J — C — , 
of Charleston, S. C, aged eighteen years. He 
had been seriously afflicted for some time be- 
fore he was put under my protection, which 
was on the 17th day of June, when we left 
Charleston for the Virginia Springs. We ar- 
rived at the White Sulphur on the 28th of 
June, and remained there until the 9th of 
July, taking from eight to ten tumblers of the 
water daily. 

11 On the 9th of July we reached the Hot 
Springs, and on the 10th he commenced with 
the baths, taking the Spout bath one day and 
the Sweat bath the next, alternately, until the 
22d of September. From the time Mr. C — 
left Charleston until he arrived at the White 
Sulphur, he was as helpless as a child, unable 
to dress or undress himself, and was carried 
in arms or a chair whenever it was necessary 
to move him. Three or four days before he 
left the White Sulphur, he was able to hob- 
ble a short distance by the aid of a pair of 
crutches, and in two weeks after taking the 



96 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

baths at the Hot Springs he could walk about 
without them. He arrived in Charleston 
about the latter end of September ; and du- 
ring a heavy blow, assisted in furling the top- 
sail of a schooner in which he was a cabin 
passenger. 

" I left Mr. C— in good health on the 6th 
of July last, on the wharf in Charleston, when 
I embarked on my present excursion. 
" I am respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

" J. LOCKWOOD." 

Nothing has occurred with respect to this 
valuable watering-place, since the first edition 
of this work, which calls for much detail. 
Every year, indeed, adds to the list of cures 
effected here, but it would answer no good 
purpose to multiply cases. Those given are 
deemed sufficient, and besides, Dr. Goode has 
published a great number which the visiter 
can always procure. No important improve- 
ment has been made within the last three 
years, as, indeed, there has not, at any of the 
Springs. They have all encountered a shock 
such as, we trust, they will not again experi- 
ence. Some of the proprietors succumbed to 



HOT SPRINGS. 97 

the storm ; all have been staggered : but it is 
to be hoped that Virginia will, at length, do 
justice to herself; and should that ever be the 
case, the swarms that now visit Northern 
Springs will turn towards a more salutary 
hive. As monopolies, however, the Virginia 
Springs cannot attain that degree, either of 
comfort or appreciation, which they would at- 
tain as villages having several independent 
houses of entertainment, and the use of the 
Springs being left free. The proprietors are 
not, in every instance, well qualified to give 
satisfaction in its full extent. During our late 
visit to the mountains, circumstances prevent- 
ed our making any stay at the Hot Springs ; 
we cannot, therefore, say anything of their 
management from personal observation. We 
never heard a breath of complaint against the 
fare and comforts of the establishment ; hence 
we infer that all was as it should be, for men 
are prone enough to find fault, and sometimes 
on very slight grounds. But it would not be 
candid to deny that complaints long, loud, and 
reiterated are made against Dr. Goode's 
charges. First, then, as regards the charge for 
board, we understand it is the same as at the 
Warm Springs and White Sulphur. So far, 



98 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

there is no reason for attaching odium to Dr. 
Goode. He only does what others do, — and 
he certainly has a right to set his own price on 
his accommodations. The Salt, Red, and 
Blue Sulphurs, and the Sweet and Red-Sweet 
Springs, have, we think, judiciously, reduced 
the charge to eight dollars per week, and if 
the boarder remain several weeks, we believe, 
he is charged at some of those establishments, 
only seven dollars. The facility of travelling 
at the North, and its relative cheapness, are 
drawing to that region much of the custom 
formerly enjoyed by the Virginia Springs. 
Now, we would respectfully suggest to the pro- 
prietors that their true policy is, to do all that 
can be done to attract back again their old 
friends. Let them not go to work to under- 
mine or cast odium, one upon the other ; but 
let them hold a meeting early in the spring, 
and arrange a schedule of charges such as 
will afford them a fair profit, and publish those 
charges to the world. Let them also call to- 
gether the contractors on the different routes 
to their Springs, and obtain a reduction of 
fare on those routes, or pledge themselves to 
encourage opposition lines. If they conclude 
to reduce the board and stage fare twenty per 



HOT SPRINGS. 99 

cent., from the present maximum, our word 
for it, they will congratulate themselves, next 
autumn, upon having adopted our suggestion; 
if they will not do this now, they will try to 
do it when it is too late. But to return to Dr. 
Goode. It is complained, that besides charg- 
ing ten dollars for board, per week, he charges 
in addition, for meals furnished at the cabins. 
It is apparent that the propriety of this charge 
depends altogether upon the fact whether 
the individual is able to appear at the public 
table, or not ; if he is, and is disposed to pro- 
duce unnecessary trouble and expense, he 
ought to pay for it ; but if he be an invalid, it 
is misfortune enough, without any additional 
tax. It has been further said that Dr. G., in 
his professional capacity, has forbid patients 
going to the table, and then made extra 
charges for the meals so furnished. We 
trust this is not so ; but if it has happened, 
most undoubtedly it is good cause of dissatis- 
faction. Such reports should be listened to 
with great caution, for alas ! there is too 
much proneness in human nature to exagger- 
ate every supposed wrong. Again, it is com- 
plained that Dr. G. charges for his baths fifty 
cents each, or $3.50 per week, without any 



100 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

distinction whether it be a mere pleasure bath, 
or one requiring aid and attendance. They 
argue thus : " We come exclusively for these 
baths ; there is no other attraction ; they are 
supplied by nature, cost nothing in the prepa- 
ration, and should not be subjects for an exor- 
bitant tax ; we can get an artificial and most 
comfortable bath, in the cities, for 25 cents, 
and here, where thousands of gallons of warm 
water are, every minute, discharged from 
the bowels of the earth, we think it hard to be 
charged double." We confess we think there 
is some reason for this complaint, and we sin- 
cerely hope, for his own sake, that Dr. G. will 
revise and modify his tariff of bathing 
charges. There is no reason in the world, 
why his pleasure baths should cost more than 
at the Warm Springs and Sweet Springs — 
12| cents ; but the Sweating baths are troub- 
lesome and attended with expense, and it 
would be unreasonable to expect the charge 
should not be higher. With regard to the 
charges of rudeness and inequality of temper 
urged against Dr. G. we cannot judge of their 
justice ; but we can aver, that we have never 
witnessed any thing in his demeanour that did 
not comport with a well-bred gentleman. We 



HOT SPRINGS. 101 

have touched upon subjects of a delicate char- 
acter in the preceding remarks ; but they are 
well meant, and we hope they will be so un- 
derstood. Most of the visiters of the Hot 
Springs are invalids, and necessarily have 
whims and caprices which require kindness 
and forbearance. It is astonishing how far a 
word or act evincing sympathy and good feel- 
ing will win their gratitude and soothe their 
fretfulness ; while a short answer, or an indif- 
ference manifested to their comfort, will arouse 
their undying hatred. No situation therefore 
requires more of the milk of human kindness 
than that occupied by Dr. Goode. He should 
be the physician and friend : always cheer- 
fully administering to the physical comforts 
and mental quiet of his guests and patients, 
and causing them to bless him upon their de- 
parture. When Dr. Stribling of Staunton, a few 
months ago, signified a disposition to resign 
his situation of Physician to the Insane Hos- 
pital, there was a general feeling of regret from 
one end of the State to the other. Why ? be- 
cause the impression had become general that 
his benevolence and conciliating manners pe- 
culiarly qualified him for the responsible trust 
reposed in him. We venture to assert that if 



102 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

he were the owner of the Hot Springs and its 
physician, it would in three years number 300 
visiters at one time, when now it seldom 
passes 100. We believe that so conducted it 
would prove a blessing to multitudes. We 
perceive that Dr. Goode offers the place for 
sale ; we do not know his price, but of this we 
are sure, that there are few estates in Virginia 
of greater intrinsic value. 



CHAPTER IX. 



SWEET SPRINGS. 



The Sweet Springs are situated on the head 
waters of Dunlap's Creek in the county of 
Monroe, in a delightful valley, the air of 
which is pure and dry. 

" These waters (Col. Perkins) were dis- 
covered before any of the Mineral Waters in 
this part of Virginia were known, in 1764. 
In 1773. they began to be noticed as a wa- 
tering-place, and in 1774 were analysed by 
Bishop Madison, the President of William and 
Mary College, but which analysis I have not 
seen. The water is at 73 c Fahrenheit ; the 
baths for both male and female visiters are 
under the same roof, divided by a brick wall 
in the centre, and each about twenty feet 
square, and the water four and a half to five 
feet deep. In plunging into these waters a 
slight shudder, which in my case, and indeed 
generally, was succeeded by a delightful 



104 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

glow. One is very much induced to linger 
in the bath, but five to ten minutes, in most 
cases, are found better than longer." 

The residence of the visiters has hitherto 
been in the cabins or log-houses which were 
formerly the dwellings of all who visited any 
of the Virginia Springs. Dr. Lewis h'as just 
now finished a house which for architectural 
beauty and accommodations is superior to any 
house built for the same use in the United 
States, that I have seen. It is built of brick, 
has two stories besides a basement, which is 
appropriated to kitchen, bake and store 
rooms, with offices for various purposes ; the 
piazza 17 feet wide, the whole length of the 
building, stands on brick arches, and is reach- 
ed by three sets of steps of black walnut, the 
width of each of the porticos by which the 
front of the building is ornamented ; the prin- 
cipal story has a dining-room 160 feet long, 
at one end of which is a ladies' drawing- 
room, and at the other end a dancing-room ; 
they are each the whole width of the build- 
ing, which is 48 feet, and 40 deep. 

"In the second story, there are 36 bed 
rooms, with an entry between them ; they are 



SWEET SPRINGS. 105 

about 14 feet square. The building has 
quite an imposing appearance. 

The other improvements consist of a num- 
ber of brick and framed cottages, sufficient to 
accommodate 350 persons. Dr. Lewis has 
been very fortunate in the selection of his 
managers. Last season the management was 
in the hands of our old and worthy friend 
Major Vass, whose kind and conciliatory dis- 
position, added to a minute knowledge of all 
that appertains to his business, has always 
rendered him popular. The fare at the Sweet 
Springs during the visiting season is uni- 
formly good, and the servants are kept under 
good management. Dr. Lewis is extensively 
engaged in farming ; and having a fertile es- 
tate attached to the Springs, he is enabled to 
raise plentiful supplies of the great staples of 
domestic consumption. 

" The best example of the acidulous class of 
water (Bell) is the Sweet Springs in Monroe 
County, Virginia. They are 29 miles from 
Fincastle. 40 from the Red Sulphur, 22 from 
the Salt Sulphur, 20 from the White Sulphur, 
and 43 from Bath Court-House. 

" The Sweet Springs rise on the north side 



106 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

of a large mountain called by the same name. 
The south side is covered with stones of an 
ochrous appearance. In many places iron 
may be found, but on the north the mountain 
is fertile and covered with a rich mould, at 
least, near the Springs. 

"The temperature of the Sweet Springs is 
73° Fahrenheit, the same as that which in 
England by a strange blunder is called Bris- 
tol Hot Well. There is a considerable re- 
semblance between the two in other respects, 
as well in the abundant evolutions of carbonic 
acid, as in the earthy and saline matters 
held in solution. In the Virginia Spring, 
however, iron has been detected, whereas the 
British Hot Well has none in its composition. 

" Few mineral waters have acquired such 
fashionable and well merited celebrity as the 
Sweet Springs. The name is calculated to 
convey erroneous impressions of their taste, 
which is like a solution of a small quantity 
of a calcareous or magnesian carbon ate. The 
excess of the carbonic acid, however, gives 
the waters a briskness productive of a very 
different effect on the palate from what an 
imperfect mixture of the earths would pro- 



SWEET SPRINGS. 107 

duce. The first effects of this water, due to 
its temperature and gaseous contents, are a 
feeling of warmth to the stomach, with the 
sensation of fullness of the head and some 
giddiness. Taken at stated intervals, in mode- 
rate quantity, it will produce a moisture on the 
skin and increase the flow of urine. If the 
stomach be in a good state, it gives addi- 
tional appetite, and imparts fresh vigor to 
the system. Its operation on the bowels 
varies at first ; but after a protracted use it 
will generally be found to induce a costive 
habit." 

The waters of the Sweet Springs are highly 
stimulant, and are therefore inadmissible in 
most cases of inflammatory disease or in tur- 
berculous pre-disposition, and other affections 
of the lungs and bronchi. They quicken 
the circulation, impart tonicity and vigor 
to the system, excite the animal passions, 
cheer the spirits, and inspire the mind with 
pleasureable sensations. Aged persons, espe- 
cially, who are free from organic disease, will 
find youth and vigor and elasticity at the 
bottom of this noble fountain. A man who 
could have an opportunity of daily plunging 



108 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

into the Sweet Springs Bath might live to 
the fabled age of the crow. We cannot con- 
ceive any thing more refreshing and exhila- 
rating than this bath, when it is appropriate 
to the case ; but the system must be free from 
inflammatory action, and rather tending to 
atony than to the opposite condition. We 
would not advise a person of sanguine tem- 
perament, whether male or female, to use this 
bath ; nor would we permit females who may 
by any probability be in a delicate condition^ 
or who are liable to severe periodical hemor- 
rhages, to use the water internally or by 
bathing. There are conditions of the uterine 
functions in which they may be used with 
marked advantage, but such cases require 
medical advice of the highest character, and 
that too on the spot, where contingencies may 
be met by suitable treatment. In certain ca- 
ses of dyspepsia, and in some nephritic affec- 
tions, this water is very valuable ; in fine, it 
may be said to be a good servant, but a bad 
master. 

There is one practice at this Spring so per- 
nicious, that it cannot be too severely repro- 
bated ; we allude to deep potations of mint 



SWEET SPRINGS. 109 

julap and other spirituous mixtures, after 
coming from the bath. Incalculable injury 
may be done by this abuse, and we have little 
doubt that many of the cases said to have 
been injured by the water and bath, may fair- 
ly be traced to mint julaps. 

We have, ourselves, good reason to speak 
highly of this water. In 1823, we spent sev- 
eral weeks enjoying the luxury of bathing 
here with the most decided benefit to our 
system, enfeebled by application to business 
and other causes. In 1S29, however, after 
hemorrhages and other symptoms of pulmo- 
nary disease had made their appearance, we 
were excited by it to a fearful degree, and had 
to abandon its use. 

These Springs and the estate attached to 
them have passed out of the possession of the 
late proprietor, Dr. B. Lewis, and are now un- 
der the control of the Chancellor, who orders 
them to be annually rented out by the sheriff 
to the highest bidder. For the last three 
years, they have been managed by annual 
renters — a condition of things highly inju- 
rious, in every point of view, to this lovely re- 
treat, which, in natural scenery, surpasses even 
10 



110 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the White Sulphur. Col. Perkins, whose taste 
cannot be questioned, expresses admiration of 
the Great Building, at this place. The de- 
sign is probably good, and the appearance is im- 
posing ; but its location was most unf rtunate, 
as it eternally mars the most enchanting valley 
in the Virginia mountains. In an expenditure 
of some sixty thousand dollars, how much bet- 
ter it would have been to employ anarchitect 
acquainted with landscape, even if it had cost 
something more. The house remains in an 
unfinished state, and like all houses so left, 
without an owner, it is already evidencing di- 
lapidation ; and, should the decision of the 
questions now in litigation be delayed many 
years, its decay will be rapidly progressive. 
That property, once the most highly valued in 
the mountains, has suffered great depreciation 
from those causes, and whenever brought into 
market, will be offered under great disadvan- 
tages. We have already given our opinion of 
the magnificent Baths at this place, which, 
under all disadvantages, attracted a large com- 
pany last summer. The house was kept, and 
very well, too, as we understood, by Mr. Henry 
Massey, 



RED SPRINGS. Ill 



RED-SWEET SPRINGS. 

At a distance of one mile from the Sweet 
Springs, on the road leading to the White 
Sulphur, is the Red Spring, owned and very 
recently improved by Philip Rogers, Esquire. 

To those who have been in the habit of 
visiting the Virginia Springs, this gentleman, 
some fifteen or twenty years ago, was favour- 
ably known as lessee of the Sweet Springs, 
and a kind and accommodating landlord. 
We have not ourselves forgotten his blunt but 
cordial manner, and the hospitable treatment 
which we received in common with all his 
guests. 

The <Red Spring is a chalybeate, and a 
most powerful agent in cases that admit a 
tonic treatment. This is an advantage which 
this establishment possesses over its neigh- 
bour, having, besides, the same kind of water 
which is so abundant at the " Sweet Springs.' 5 
The acidulous or "Sweet" waters, at both 
establishments, seem to be so much alike, that 
there can be no essential difference between 
them, and as they are situated in an abun- 



112 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

dant region, and on the great thoroughfare 
connecting Eastern Virginia with its trans- 
Alleghany territory, we hope that notwith- 
standing their proximity, they may both do a 
good business. 

The situation of the " Red Spring " is a 
beautiful one, overlooking one of the most 
fertile and best cultivated farms in Virginia. 
The celebrated Beaver-dam falls are on this 
farm, and about a mile and a half from the 
Spring. 



The original name of these Springs was 
" Red Springs" but, in consequence of mis- 
takes frequently having occurred in the direc- 
tion of letters to this place, and the |Led Sul- 
phur, the name at the head of this article, has 
been adopted. Since the first edition of this 
book appeared, this property also has changed 
owners, and is now in possession of Richard 
Sampson, Esq., of Goochland, and his son, Mr. 
John R. Sampson. The father and son rank 
among the best farmers of Virginia, which is 
some security that neatness, order, and system, 
will prevail through the establishment. At 



RED-SWEET SPRINGS. 113 

this place we spent the greater portion of our 
time, during the last summer, and we feel 
great pleasure in testifying to the excellence 
of the fare, the comfort of the chambers, and 
the polite attention of Mr. Sampson, Jr., and 
his manager, Mr. Powel. In every thing that 
conduces to comfort it compares favourably 
with the best conducted establishments in the 
mountains. The improvements now made 
will comfortably accommodate sixty to seventy 
persons. It is the intention of Mr. Sampson 
to extend his accommodations for the next 
season to the capacity of 120. The main 
building here is of frame, and judiciously de- 
signed as regards convenience, but being 
thrown across the valley, as in the case of the 
Sweet Springs, it is destructive of the natural 
beauty of the locality. . It contains thirty com- 
fortable chambers, a ball-room, dining and 
bar-room, and has two galleries of two stories, 
extending the whole length, communicating 
at intervals by open passages, in which there 
are stairs leading to both stories. Nowhere 
have we seen a more convenient arrangement 
than this. It has but one fault, and that is, 
that the double rooms communicate length- 
10* 



114 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

wise, instead of enjoying the advantage of 
both porticoes and the delightful draught that 
passes through the valley. 

The great Red Springs, which are most re- 
lied upon for bathing, issue from a limestone 
stratum covered to a considerable depth by a 
soft porous stone, apparently a deposite from 
the Sweet Spring stream, which seems to have 
once taken this direction. There are three 
springs, of which the upper and boldest seems 
to differ in composition and temperature but 
very little from the Sweet Springs. The two 
others close by, and separated from each other 
by a thin partition of rock, differ materially 
in the quantity of iron and temperature from 
the first, the temperature of those being 76|, 
while that is only 73. All, together, would 
probably discharge 250 gallons in a minute. 
The two lower only are now conveyed to the 
Bath. This is a frame octagon about 20 feet 
in diameter, and admitting a depth of water 
of five feet. The water is conveyed by a 
trunk to the reservoir, and by reducing the 
depth of the bath to four feet, affords the finest 
spout imaginable. After swimming about 
for two or three minutes, it was our custom to 



RED-SWEET SPRINGS. 115 

place ourself under this noble stream and let 
it fall on our chest and shoulders. We never 
were tempted to remain in longer than five 
minutes, we then got up on the platform, took 
in our own hand a towel and dried our head 
and neck while a servant was engaged in 
rubbing the body with all his might. In two 
minutes, when the water is likely to suit, the 
skin becomes as red as crimson under this ope- 
ration, and the person feels as if he could 
jump over the moon. We are disposed to 
think that some of the cases in which there 
is no reaction are attributable to bad rubbing 
and permitting the body to get chilled. We 
would strongly recommend to Mr. Sampson, 
who informs us he is going to take away the 
present house, and build separate bathing 
places for ladies and gentlemen, as at -the 
Sweet Springs ; to have two rubbers instead 
of one — a man and a small boy for the gen- 
tlemen ; and a maid and little girl for ladies. 
After getting out of the bath, the person 
should be made to stand on a platform two 
feet square and about six inches elevated from 
the floor. In this should be some grooves to 
carry off the moisture from the feet, the junior 



116 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

rubber should then kneel down and with a 
coarse towel dry perfectly the legs and feet, 
while the bather and aid are employed on the 
head and trunk. With one rubber, the feet 
are apt to be left too long wet, and the circu- 
lation is thereby delayed from the inferior ca- 
pillaries. Where there are so many young 
negroes doing nothing, it would be no addi- 
tional expense, and would greatly benefit inva- 
lid bathers. A few paces from the house there 
is a large and very pleasant bath similar to 
the Sweet Springs; it was, however, but little 
used, most persons preferring the higher tem- 
perature of the Red Spring. The difference 
is very perceptible to the feelings. Both are 
delightful after the shock of the plunge is over, 
which in the Red Spring water is slight. Our 
experience of the two baths, which we used 
for the purpose of experiment, causes us to 
give a decided preference to the Red Springs 
bath. We are disposed, however, to think 
that its advantage lies more in the higher 
temperature than in the carbonate of iron it 
contains, though we can readily believe that 
this property may increase its tonic power. 



RED-SWEET SPRINGS. 117 

Whether it be so or not as applied to the skin, 
nineteen out of twenty will think so. As a 
drinking water, its tonic property is acknowl- 
edged, and where such an agent is desirable it 
is not surpassed on the habitable globe. 

After we had transmitted the article on the 
Red-Sweet Springs to the printer's, we received 
from the worthy proprietor the following letter 
and Analysis. They will be read with inter- 
est by the admirers of that lovely valley, and 
all who desire to avail themselves of a bath 
possessing tonic powers nowhere surpassed. 

" Red-Sweet Springs, 
"Alleghany Co., Feb. 16th, 1846. 
" My Dear Sir, — I am now erecting a con- 
tinuous line of framed house (one story high) 
one hundred and sixty feet long, by twenty- 
one feet in width, containing twenty-four (fire) 
rooms, ten feet by twelve feet in clear, and all 
upon the same level, with a neat portico in 
front the entire length. I have removed the 
house from the Bath near the hotel, and I 
mean to convert the bath into a pool with a 
railing around it. In the place of this 1 shall 



118 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

make two spacious baths sixteen by twenty up 
at the Red Chalybeate Springs. A new walk 
from the centre of the hotel towards these 
Springs, together with other improvements not 
only about the hotel, but in the road, fences, 
&c., I hope will add both comfort and pleas- 
ure to my future visitors. 

" I have tested the relative temperatures of 
the Springs by a thermometer purchased of 
Mr. Randolph in Richmond, made by M^Alis- 
ter of Philadelphia ; and find them to be as 
follows. The Upper Spring, which discharges 
much the greater portion of the water, I find 
to be 77°. The next, or Middle Spring, 80°, 
and the Lower, or one nearest the Bath-house, 
79°. These three Springs, discharging three 
hundred and fifteen gallons of water per minute 
by measurements this day made, will be blend- 
ed into one stream, and then divided between 
the two Baths, which will make their tempe- 
rature about 78°. I have also tested the two 
Springs near the hotel, both of which stand at 
75°. The temperature of the pool is 74°. 
and this difference is caused by several little 
limestone springs emptying into it. This pool 



RED-SWEET SPRINGS. 119 

discharges two hundred and twenty gallons 
per minute. I remain, dear Sir. 

" Your most obedient servant, 

M Jxo. R. Sampson. 
" Mr. William Burke, 

" Richmond. 
tt . P. S. — Below you will find a copy of the 
Analysis by Prof. Rogers, taken from the copy 
recorded in my Register at the Red Springs. 

" J. R. Sampson." 

1st. Solid matter procured by evaporation from 
100 cubic inches, weighed after being great- 
ly dried at 112°, - - - 40-76 
A portion of this is combined water. 
2nd. Quantity of each solid ingredient esti- 
mated as perfectly free from water. In 100 
cubic inches. 

Sulphate of lime - - 14*233 

Sulphate of magnesia - 3*107 

Sulphate of soda - - 1-400 

Carbonate of lime - - 9*411 
Carbonate of magnesia - 1*166 
Chloride of sodium - - 0*037 
Chloride of magnesium - 0*680 
Chloride calcium - - 0*010 



120 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Susquioxide of iron - - 0*320 
Organic matter in small quantities. 
Iodine, a mere trace. 
The iron is no doubt dissolved in the water 
as a carbonate. 

3d. Volume of each of the gases contained in 
a free state in ICO cubic inches of the 
water. 

Carbonic acid - - 46*10 cu. in. 
Nitrogen - - - 2-57 " " 
Oxygen - *20 " " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, a trace 
too small to be measured. 
4th. Composition of 100 cubic inches of the 
mixed gases rising in bubbles in the Spring. 
Nitrogen - 62*5 

Carbonic acid - - 37*5 

THE SKIN. 

Before we take our leave of the thermal 
and acidulous waters, we desire to say a few 
words on that beautiful organ which, above 
all others, distinguishes man from the inferior 
animal creation, and which in lovely woman 
frequently attains such exquisite perfection as 
to place her second only to the angels. 



THE SKIN. 121 

The skin being one of the great safety- 
valves of the body, though perhaps the least 
regarded by the great mass of mankind, and 
especially so by that portion of it yclept lt the 
Anglo-Saxon race,*' is amongst the most im- 
portant organs of the human body. 

Had Nature required of the kidneys to se- 
crete all the impurities of the circulation, they 
would be inadequate to perform the labour at 
least without vastly more power than they 
now possess; she lias, therefore, in her wis- 
dom, invested the external covering of the 
body and the mucous surfaces of the internal 
organs with an exhalant apparatus that frees 
the blood from those serous portions that are 
no longer necessary for the nutrition of the 
body, and from an excess of carbon and other 
matters that might deteriorate its quality, just 
as the absorbent system appears to have been 
intended to introduce new and alterative ma- 
terials into the system for its comfort and sus- 
tenance. How deeply the skin sympathises in 
all important lesions of the great organs of the 
body is known even to ordinary observers, 
yet it has never received from the faculty 
that consideration to which it is entitled. 
11 



122 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

It is, perhaps, not because they are not fully 
sensible of its importance ; but because they 
despair of reforming the habits of the people 
in the most essential point connected with the 
healthy condition of this organ. The march 
of improvement, however, is onward, and we 
should never despair of effecting a reform so 
obviously important as that of cleanliness. 
Who would have thought twenty years ago, 
that five millions of a people proverbially ad- 
dicted to intoxication would, at this day, exhib- 
it an example of temperance which throws into 
the shade all the reforms of modern times? 

In our southern country especially, there is 
an urgent necessity for frequent ablutions, 
owing to the relaxed state of the system, pro- 
duced by intense heat, and the consequent 
evaporations of the serous portion of the blood 
through the superficial covering of the body. 
In such a condition of things, the balance be- 
tween the excreting functions of the skin and 
kidneys is destroyed, and the former has to 
perform a duty, which eventually overpower- 
ing its energies, its action becomes morbid, 
and it is no longer able to resist either the 
impulse from within, or the sudden depres- 



THE SKIN. 123 

sion from cold to which it is exposed from 
without, by extraordinary and sudden vicissi- 
tudes of temperature. 

We know, however, from the experience of 
eastern nations, that like all other hygienic 
principles, the salutary practice of bathing is 
liable to abuse. Carried to excess, and accom- 
panied by the use of powerful narcotics, it is 
pernicious to the physical, mental, and moral 
energies. It should, then, be resorted to not 
exclusively as a luxury, but as a means of 
cleansing the skin from accumulated impuri- 
ties, and encouraging a just proportion of the 
fluids to the capillary circulation. 

The manly exercise of swimming, when it 
can be practised, cannot be too strongly re- 
commended. In the palmy days of Rome, 
the river Tiber was not permitted to roll its 
waters to the sea neglected and unheeded. It 
was the constant practice of the Roman citi- 
zens to disport in its bosom, after they had 
anointed their bodies as a protection against 
the coldness of the water. Of its efficacy in 
procuring sleep we are assured by the satirist : 

" Ter uncti 
Transnanto Tiber im somno quibus opus est alto" 



124 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

With regard to the wealthy, who are able 
to afford themselves all the conveniences of 
bathing, if they do not avail themselves of 
their advantages it is their own fault, and de- 
serve no sympathy ; but it is otherwise with 
persons of moderate circumstances living in 
cities, and workers in manufactories. Their 
health demands the care of the public author- 
ities, and of their employers. One hundred 
thousand dollars would construct in the city of 
New York five floating baths, that would ac- 
commodate ten thousand persons in twenty- 
four hours ; and these, at a charge of three 
cents each, would yield a revenue of more 
than one hundred thousand dollars a year. 

In the manufactories of this country, which 
have almost all extensive water-power, how 
easy would it be to provide a large bathing 
chamber, in which all the labourers, male and 
female, should be required to bathe at least 
once a week. It would be easy to raise the 
temperature of the water to about 85 or 90° F. 

In an establishment giving employment to 
two hundred persons, five cents a week de- 
ducted from the pay of each would amply pay 
the proprietor, and in a mere pecuniary point 



THE SKIN. 



125 



of view would be a saving to the labourers, 
who may thereby be saved from many ail- 
ments that cause loss of time. But we would 
not stop here : we would recommend to the 
legislatures, whenever application was made 
for an act of incorporation by a manufactur- 
ing company, to insist on a proviso obliging 
the corporators to provide a convenience such 
as we have described, and to insist on its use. 
Whenever temperance shall have become uni- 
versal, and conveniences for bathing shall 
have been furnished to the great mass of the 
inhabitants of cities, and the more enlightened 
and opulent portion of the community will 
have by their own example induced the poorer 
class to adopt this great hygienic practice, we 
may look for an advance in the average of 
human life and human morals, which now 
might seem unattainable. 

It is unnecessary to particularize the vari- 
ous chronic affections of the skin. From the 
earliest periods in which we find accounts of 
sulphurous waters, they have been celebrated 
for the cure of this class of diseases. As it is 
the sulphuretted hydrogen that is the active 
property in these cases, there can be little dif- 
11* 



126 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ference in favour of any particular Spring*, 
used merely as an external remedy, in which 
light we are now considering this class of 
agents ; but of this we are certain, that per- 
sons afflicted with cutaneous diseases will in 
most instances fail to realize their expecta- 
tions if they depend exclusively on the ther- 
mal waters. It has been a long established 
custom, and one the correctness of which has 
been tested by experience, to spend the early 
part of the season in using the sulphurous 
waters, and the latter part at the Hot, Warm, 
and Sweet Springs. These latter agents will 
indeed, of themselves, relieve slight affections 
of the surface ; but it should be recollected 
that most chronic diseases of the skin are de- 
pendent on visceral derangement, and that no 
external application will remove the exciting 
cause. We know that sulphuretted hydrogen 
is possessed of such subtle power that it per- 
vades the whole animal econony, and alters 
or modifies the fluids from which those dis- 
eases are propagated. 

It is indeed essential that the use of the 
sulphurous waters should be combined with 
the simultaneous use of bathing in the mineral 



THE SKIN. 127 

water, and this is now attainable at all the 
Sulphur Springs of Western Virginia. When 
the system has been saturated with the sul- 
phurous waters, then may the natural baths 
be used with double advantage ; and we are 
sure we do not risk the charge of extravagant 
laudation, when we assert that the world can- 
not produce three fountains superior to those 
of which we have been treating in the fore- 
going pages. 



CHAPTER X. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

" Thirty-five miles from the Hot Springs 
(Col. Perkins) are the celebrated White Sul- 
phur Springs, which are visited by those who 
are in search of pleasure, as well as those who 
are in want of the waters. The accommoda- 
tions for visiters to this place are much more 
extensive than at any of the other watering- 
places in Virginia ; the views are more beau- 
tiful, and visiters much greater in number, 
than at the other Springs. The amiable 
owner of this delightful spot, though he takes 
no active part in the management of the con- 
cern, has an excellent representative in his 
son, Wm. B. Calwell, Esq., who has been 
fortunate in selecting as his principal execu- 
tive aid, Mr. King, whose obliging attentions 
and courtesy are acknowledged by all who 
know him." 

The accounts given of this establishment 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



129 



have been so frequent, and so extensively 
circulated, that minuteness of detail is unne 
cessary. The accommodations are sufficient 
for the entertainment of five hundred persons, 
together with the usual proportion of servants 
and horses. More than six hundred are said 
to have been taken in, but when the guest 
has to be crammed into a room with some 
half dozen others, it is not so much accom- 
modation as making shift. We are inform- 
ed that the establishment proper, Mr. Mastin's 
Hotel, and Mr. Rosser's, will all accommodate 
seven hundred persons. When we first visit- 
ed this place in 1823, it was in a very rude 
state, although entertaining at that time from 
one hundred and fifty to two hundred and 
fifty persons, principally lodged in comfortless 
log cabins. 

From 1834 to the present time the improve- 
ments have been extensive, and many of them 
beautiful ; but there is such a glaring want 
of design in the arrangement of the buildings, 
that it is painful to a man of taste to observe 
how nature has been marred by the want of 
art. It is in a great degree irremediable, too, 
for it would be now difficult to make any im- 



130 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

portant alteration without great expense and 
destruction of valuable property. As, how- 
ever, a woman may be beautiful in spite of 
her teeth, so is the White Sulphur, notwith- 
standing the defect we have mentioned. The 
many handsome cottages built by or for 
certain individuals, have added much to the 
interest of the landscape, and upon the whole 
this charming spot may be considered as pos- 
sessing attractions which are rarely presented 
to the traveller. So much has been said re- 
specting the fare at this place, that some allu- 
sion to it will not be deemed irrelevant. 

The keepers of watering-places are differ- 
ently situated from persons who entertain 
company the whole year. They have to 
make extensive arrangements for a short pe- 
riod, and while their company is at its maxi- 
mum not more than one month, they are 
obliged to keep in pay double the number of 
attendants necessary for the average, many of 
whom feel but little interest in their employ- 
ers ; and they have, besides, to provide sup- 
plies at great expense and inconvenience. 
They are entitled to great allowances under 
all the circumstances ; but few persons, how- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 131 

ever, receive less indulgence from a discern- 
ing public. In the case of our friend, Mr. 
Cahvell, a thousand eyes are emphatically 
watching, if not \he fleece, certainly that which 
was once covered by it : and after it has been 
served up, for the equal participation of all, 
Caeleno and her frightful sisters made not 
greater havoc among the eatables of the 
hungry Trojans than the sable sons of Africa 
make upon the dishes at the White Sulphur : 

At subitcB horrifico lapsu de montibus adsunt 
Harpyics, et magnis quatiunt clangoribus alas. 
Diripiuntque dapes, contactuque omnia foedant 
Immundo : twm vox tetrum dira inter odorem, 

As soon as the dishes are placed on the 
table, the private servants and those of the 
establishment that are bribed, seize upon the 
best of the eatables and place them as private 
property before their employers. It is a 
shameful abuse, and may be remedied by ex- 
cluding all private servants, and allotting 
certain servants to certain sections of the 
table. Thus, under the ticket system, in a 
company ever-changing, it is not probable 
that one man would be waited on more than 
one day by the same servant, and he would 



132 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

therefore find it too inconvenient to be paying 
a fresh bribe every day. This is the greatest 
evil at the White Sulphur, and will ever 
create confusion and dissatisfaction until cor- 
rected. All acknowledge the supplies are 
ample, though perhaps not so varied as at the 
other Springs ; but between the causes just 
mentioned and the undignified impatience of 
the guests themselves, the scene is often ludi- 
crous in the extreme. 

The lodging-rooms are generally comfort- 
able, and well supplied with the requisite 
furniture. The bathing establishment here 
is fitted up with great neatness, and obviates 
every objection hitherto made in respect to 
that convenience. 

Wm. B. Calwell, Esq., who has the sole 
control of the establishment, is a bland and 
elegant gentleman, and his manager, Mr. 
King, trained to his calling, is in every re- 
spect qualified, and uniformly civil and 
obliging. We shall commence our notice of 
the waters with an extract from Mr. Otis' de- 
scription of the Spring : 

" The Spring bubbles up from the earth in 
the lowest part of the valley, and is covered 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 133 

by a tastefully covered Pavilion, being a dome, 
supported by twelve Ionic columns, and sur- 
mounted by a graceful statue of Hygeia. the 
patron saint of healing, holding in her right 
hand a cup. as filled with water, and in her 
left a vegetable or herb. This statue was pre- 
sented to the establishment by Mr. Hender- 
son, a wealthy planter of Louisiana, who I 
believe went from New England. The Pa- 
vilion is surrounded by the grateful shade of 
old oaks, locusts, and elms : and hither resort, 
as to a common focus, the converging radii 
of the crowd, intent upon banishing disease or 
ennui, gaining health or admiration, display- 
ing personal charms or sacrificing to fashion. 
The invalid, pale, emaciated, and wretched, 
may be seen there at almost every hour, wait- 
ing till the giddy dance of the gay and vola- 
tile, who came there merely to gratify • a 
truant disposition,' shall leave the waters free 
for him to drink and be healed. The feverish 
flush, the hectic of consumption, the tottering 
gait of rheumatism, the wasted form of the 
dyspeptic, may all be observed in contrast 
with the ruddy glow of manly health, the free 
elastic step of youthful vigor, the gay smile of 
12 



134 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

unpained hearts, and the loud laugh of mirth 
that knows not even the check of another's 
sufferings. 

" At about an hour before dinner, the fash- 
ionable lounge at the fountain commences. 
Then also commences the playing of the mu- 
sicians in the ball-room, a fine band of per- 
formers, who amuse the visitants to the 
Springs an hour at noon, and divide with the 
waters the attention of the promenaders." 

For the analysis of the White Sulphur wa- 
ter, as given by the Dispensatory of the United 
States on the authority of Professor Wm. B. 
Rogers, we refer to page 47. Whether we 
consider it as a gaseous or saline water, we 
find it falls greatly short of many of the wa- 
ters of Europe and this country. But does 
this argue that it is inferior in curative pro- 
perties ? By no means. There may be too 
much of a good thing in mineral waters as 
well as in other matters ; and this is mani- 
fested by all conversant with this class of 
natural remedies. Harrowgate (England) 
water contains, in a wine gallon, sulphuretted 
hydrogen 14 cub. in., or 5| as much as the 
White Sulphur, and while the solid contents 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 135 

of the White Sulphur in a gallon are 122 grs., 
those of Harrowgate are 859 grs. Is the 
latter then a better water than the for- 
mer ? We should more than doubt it. Sa 
ratoga water (Congress Spring) contains, in a 
wine gallon, gaseous contents 318 cub. in., 
and solid contents nearly 598 grs. ; yet will 
any one rank Saratoga water with White 
Sulphur water as a curative agent ? As we 
have already stated, it is the combination 
that makes the mineral water valuable. It is 
because that combination is adapted by nature 
in her mysterious laboratory to the animal 
economy, that disease yields to its sway ; but 
let man endeavour to improve upon her work 
by abstracting from or adding to her propor- 
tions, and she will soon show which is the 
better apothecary. 

If the estimation in which the White Sul- 
phur water is held, in the United States, be 
any evidence of its merit, it needs no other 
eulogy ; for it is well known that its fame has 
spread to every portion of the nation. It is 
indeed a noble fountain, destined, we hope 
and trust, to be a blessing to countless gene- 
rations. It may be abused, as all other reme 



136 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

dies ; but where it is the appropriate remedy, 
and is correctly introduced into the system, 
it is most valuable. Where it is not adapted, 
it is no less productive of great and perma- 
nent mischief. 

Feeling deeply the great value of this wa- 
ter to the public, and solicitous that its fame 
may not be even temporarily affected, we feel 
it a duty we owe to the worthy proprietors 
of the fountain, as well as to the community 
at large, to notice a theory which has been 
lately sought to be established respecting it, 
and which, if true, renders it liable to be suc- 
cessfully imitated by any one who can mix 
with common water the different portions of 
saline matter discovered by its analysis. We 
allude to the theory set forth in a pamphlet 
by Dr. J. J. Moorman, resident physician at 
the Spring. We disclaim any intention of 
affecting the interests of Dr. Moorman. He is 
personally unknown to us ; but since we have 
undertaken to present our views on those 
mineral waters, we feel morally bound not 
to sanction, by our silence, a theory fraught, 
as we believe, with injury to the reputation 
of this justly popular water, and with cruel 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 13? 

injustice to the poor invalids who seek benefit 
from its use. 

In the discussion of this subject we will 
not impugn Dr. M.'s motives in propagating 
this doctrine. With these we have nothing 
to do. We are entitled to the privilege of 
questioning the soundness of his theories, and 
this we will do in good temper. 

We subjoin the article of Dr. M. on this 
subject, so that we may not incur the charge 
of misrepresentation, and shall then comment 
on his positions. 

[Dr. Moorman.] — " The reputation of the 
White Sulphur Water for its medical vir- 
tues is now so well known in every part of 
America, that it is thought unnecessary to 
enter into a general detail of the peculiar 
properties of the water and its applicability to 
particular diseases. It is believed that a more 
acceptable service will be rendered to the 
public by exhibiting satisfactory testimony, 
proving that those who are unable or unwil- 
ling to perform a journey to the Springs may 
use it at their own homes, and while in the 
enjoyment of the soothing cares and atten- 
tions of their families, with equally beneficial 

results as if drank fresh at the Spring. 
12* 



138 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

To prove this we do not intend to enter into 
a scientific disquisition of the physical pro- 
perties of the water. The fact is now gene- 
rally admitted, that the medical properties of 
the White Sulphur water reside mainly 
in its solid contents ; and as these solid con- 
tents are not deposited, or otherwise lost by 
exportation, the transported water must retain 
as much strength as that which is used fresh 
from the fountain. Numerous comparative 
trials, made with the transported water and 
the water fresh at the Spring, by intelligent 
and observant persons, and with strict re- 
ference to ascertain its strength in either way, 
have abundantly proved the truth of this po- 
sition ; not only establishing the fact that the 
water, after it had been a long time removed 
from the place, is equally as strong as that at 
the fountain head, but also that it may be 
used by the invalid with the same happy 
results. 

That the White Sulphur water, when re 
moved from the Spring and exposed even for 
a few minutes, parts with a portion of its 
uncombined sulphuretted hydrogen gas, is evi- 
dent ; but long experience in the use of the 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 139 

water has satisfactorily proved, that its activ- 
ity, far from being lessened, is ordinarily 
increased when the gas is evaporated. This 
fact has been so well ascertained, by those 
who are familiar with the use of the water, as 
to have established a common practice among 
such at the Springs, to set the water in an 
open vessel for twelve or eighteen hours, 
until its gas shall have escaped, before using 
it : others more expeditiously attain the same 
thing by gently warming the water : and by 
either of these precautions, the activity or the 
system is almost invariably increased, while 
at the same time, the water thus prepared 
agrees better with a greater majority of the 
patients, and may be taken with far greater 
impunity by most invalids. 

The escape of the gas, which soon takes 
place after the water is taken from the Spring 
and exposed to the air, causes it to lose its 
sulphuric taste and smell : and one not ac- 
quainted with this characteristic might be 
induced thereby to believe, when using trans- 
ported water, that a fraud had been practised 
upon him, and that, instead of sulphur water, 
there had been palmed upon him either river 



140 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

or rain water. We know of some individuals 
who have been induced to decline its use 
from suspicions growing out of this circum- 
stance, not being aware of the fact that it is 
the gas alone which imparts to the White 
Sulphur water its sulphuric smell and taste, 
and that this gas readily escapes unless great 
caution has been observed in the preparation 
and security of the vessel that contains it. 
But whether this gas escapes or not is a 
matter of little or no importance, as the 
water is equally as salutary without as 
with it, and does not thereby lose its medical 
virtues. 

These facts, however, inexplicable as they 
may be to the common observer, will not as- 
tonish the intelligent medical man, who re- 
collects that the gas thus thrown off is an 
active nervine stimulant, which, while it 
often unduly excites the feeble and nervous 
patient, delays by its stimulant effect the 
operations of the salts of the water. Nor is 
it singular that this particular stimulant 
should produce this effect, inasmuch as we 
witness the same thing, when any other ac- 
tive stimulant is administered with our eva- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 141 

cuant remedies ; for who does not know that 
a purgative potion administered in wine, 
toddy, or any other diffusible stimulant, will 
ordinarily act less promptly and powerfully 
than when administered in water." 

To sustain the above statement Dr. M. gives 
sundry certificates of respectable individuals 
who had used the water at a distance from 
the Springs. In denying the correctness of 
Dr. Moorman's assertions, and of the opinions 
of the gentlemen who have given certificates, 
we disclaim a shadow of disrespect ; but with 
all due deference for their judgment, we be- 
lieve that the latter have not given themselves 
time to consider that in proving too much 
they have proved nothing ; and that the Dr. 
is naturally enough biased in favour of the 
creation of his own imagination. 

We understand the theory in question ori- 
ginated in the following manner: Dr. M. 
some years ago entered into an arrangement 
with Mr. Calwell for transporting the water. 
It was attempted in bottles, but that was 
found too expensive, and the idea of barrel- 
ling was adopted. But here was a difficulty, 
the gas would escape. What was to be done ? 



142 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Why, it must be shown that the gas was of 
no use, nay, that it was a detriment, and like 
" toddy or wine," an active nervine stimulant. 
It became necessary to prove that the water 
was better without gas than with it ; and ac- 
cordingly, Dr. M. recommends to his patients 
to let it stand in an open vessel 12 or 18 
hours before use. Dr. M. tells you that it is 
a common practice to pursue this plan at the 
Spring ; but we regret 4o perceive he has not 
the candour to acknowledge that he intro- 
duced the practice ; and that no such practice 
was known from the days of Adam until the 
days of Dr. M. 

We have already shown that, in mere sa- 
line matter, the White Sulphur is immea- 
surably below Saratoga, and hence the con- 
clusion is inevitable, according to Dr. M., 
that Saratoga water is immeasurably superior 
to the White Sulphur. Nay, it is known 
to Dr. M. that the White is below the 
Salt Sulphur in saline matter ; and does he 
therefore imply that the former is inferior to 
the latter ? Would he directly concede this ? 
No : yet it is plainly deducible from his the- 
ory. But the absurdity of the proposition is 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 143 

self-evident, when the reader reflects that, if 
true, the great White Sulphur water is no 
better than may be made by any apothecary's 
apprentice behind his counter. 

But we will prove to a demonstration that 
the positions taken by Dr. M. are in direct 
opposition to all experience and to the dis- 
coveries of science. Dr. M. says it is gene- 
rally admitted that the " medical properties 
of the White Sulphur water reside mainly in 
its solid contents." Now we assert that no 
such thing is admitted ; but just the contrary. 
We quote from that great chemist, Dr. Hare, 
the following paragraph bearing directly on 
this subject. 

" Of sulphydric acid or sulphuretted hy- 
drogen : 

u Few persons are unacquainted with the un- 
pleasant odour which results from the wash- 
ings of a gun-barrel, made foul by the explo- 
sion of gunpowder, or that produced by 
putrid eggs. This odour arises from a com- 
pound consisting of one atom of hydrogen 
and one atom of sulphur. The celebrated 
Sulphur Springs of Virginia are indebted 
for their odour , and mainly for their efji- 



144 



SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



cacy, to this compound, to which the celebra- 
ted Thenard has given the name of sulphy- 
dric acid.' 7 — [Hare's Chemistry.) 

But Dr. M. says sulphuretted hydrogen is 
a nervine stimulant. We beg leave to quote 
the opinions of Dr. Armstrong on this subject. 

" The first thing- which struck me in regard 
to the, operation of the Harrowgate sulphur- 
ous water was, that the bowels might be open- 
ed by it day after day, week after week, with- 
out debility being produced ; nay, on the 
contrary, most of the patients gained both 
strength and flesh, notwithstanding they had 
daily and copious evacuations. This circum- 
stance alone seemed to give the sulphurous 
water a most decided advantage over the pur- 
gatives in common use ; for it must be ad- 
mitted that they cannot be long continued in 
chronic diseases without diminishing the 
strength. For some time, therefore, I solely 
attributed the efficacy of the sulphurous water 
to its purgative property, together with the 
peculiarity that its long-continued exhibition 
caused no debility; and for a considerable 
period the complaints on which I prescribed 
were chiefly stomachic and hepatic, I was 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 145 

the more confirmed in this opinion as to 
its operation. But cases of chronic disease 
fell under my observation at various times, in 
which the sulphurous water was most decid- 
edly beneficial, and that too where the bowels 
had been but scantily moved ; and as the 
effects in these cases could by no means be 
purely attributed to its action on the intes- 
tines. I was led to inquire whether it might 
not have some other agency which had escap- 
ed my observation. In attending more close- 
ly to the changes which the water induced, I 
found that it acted most powerfully on the 
secretory glands of the body, but more espe- 
cially on the liver, on the kidneys, on the 
mucous coat of the intestines, and on the skin. 
K Here a new operation was presented to my 
inquiry. In reflecting on all the facts which 
had come before me, I ascertained that this 
water had removed chronic affections of vari- 
ous internal and external parts : and hence at 
length the inference followed, that it was 
really beneficial as a very powerful alterative, 
and that it had a direct influence over chronic 
inflammation, wherever it be seated, whether 
in the viscera or upon the surface of the body. 
13 



146 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

In still further pursuing the consideration of 
the subject, I was fully satisfied that I had 
arrived at a general principle in the operation 
of the sulphurous water : for, some time after- 
wards, on trial of that at Dinsdale, near Dar- 
lington, I found that its effects were also very 
powerful in chronic inflammations, though it 
be but slightly laxative. It at once, there- 
fore, occurred to me, that the chief efficacy of 
the sulphurous ivaters of Harrowgate and 
of Dinsdale depended upon the sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas which they both contained ; 
and indeed the principal difference between 
the two waters is, that the first contains less 
of the sulphuretted hydrogen gas, but more 
of the saline ingredients than the last, so that 
by adding very small doses of purgative salts 
to the one, it may be made to operate like the 
other in many cases." 

Again : " Chronic rheumatism and gout, 
and almost all cutaneous affections, will yield 
more readily to the continued internal exhi- 
bition of the sulphuretted hydrogen gas than 
to any of the means noio commonly employ- 
ed ; not only in these, but also in most chronic 
complaints of the viscera, the recovery will 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 147 

be considerably expedited by the frequent use 
of tepid baths which contain the sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas. At the same time, it is to be 
recollected that it is not upon one, but upon 
all the secretory organs, that it exerts especial 
influence ; but certainly to the skin, as it is so 
capacious, a large portion of that influence is 
directed, and next in degree it is generally 
spent upon the kidneys, both of which cir- 
cumstances make it so beneficial in cutaneous 
diseases, and in those of the urinary organs." 
Here, then, is the opinion of Dr. Hare sus- 
tained by Dr. Armstrong, that the virtues of 
a sulphurous water mainly depend on the 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas ; but Dr. Moor- 
man throws it overboard without ceremony, 
as a worthless article. " But (says the learn- 
ed Doctor,) whether this gas escape or not is 
a m after of little importance, as the water is 
equally as salutary without as with it, and 
does not thereby lose its medical virtues." 
Whilst he asserts that the water is as good, 
nay better, without the gas, he tells us, " that 
it is the gas alone which imparts to the 
White Sulphur water its sulphuric smell and 
taste." 



"f 



148 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

He recognizes the presence of the sulphur 
in no other form in the water — he acknow- 
ledges that the gas escapes wholly by ex- 
posure to the air, and yet he recommends as 
a sulphur water that which is no more the 
same article it once was, than any plain well- 
water that may be obtained in the same geo- 
logical district. 

Had Dr. M. contented himself with claim- 
ing for his transported water some degree of 
excellence approximating that of the genuine 
water from the fountain, the tax on our cre- 
dulity would not have been so severe ; but 
when he admits the water has sustained a loss, 
and yet insists that it has benefitted by that 
loss, we cannot pass over in silence so mon- 
strous a proposition. We can understand how 
half a loaf is better than no bread ; but it will 
take better logic than that exhibited by Dr. 
M. to convince us that half a loaf is better 
than a whole loaf. 

Before we quit this subject, we desire to say 
a word respecting the certificates given by 
gentlemen, many of whom we know and re- 
spect, to Dr. Moorman. They no doubt be- 
lieved what they stated to be correct. They 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 149 

meant to state that the aperient quality of the 
water was not impaired by the loss of the gas, 
but probably increased, in which we perfectly 
agree with them ; but those of them who have 
used the word alterative, have probably used 
it as synonymous with mildly purgative, and 
have, therefore, said more than they intended. 
That the word alterative is thus restricted by 
some persons is well known, but it is not the 
legitimate signification of the word as used by 
medical writers. 

An alterative is a remedy that by a scarcely 
perceptible disturbance of the excretory organs, 
alters some morbid function of those organs to, 
or towards, a normal condition. Whether the 
mucous membrane of the intestines, or bron- 
chi, or the skin, or the kidneys, or the liver, 
or any other gland or surface, be concerned, 
we apply the word alterative to their gradual 
change from diseased to healthy action. From 
this view of the term it will be seen how im- 
properly it is sometimes applied, and the in- 
stance now before us proves how, by the mis- 
application of a word, much mischief may be 
done. The explanation we have given proves 
satisfactorily that the worthy gentlemen who 
13* 



150 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

have testified to the value of the transported 
water, meant only to vouch for its visible 
effects on the bowels, without once consider- 
ing that the most important alterative effects 
are frequently invisible. 

" The White Sulphur Springs (Bell) have 
been much resorted to by invalids suffering 
from dyspepsia, chronic hepatitis, the slow 
fever following remittent, bilious, or ill-cured 
intermittent fevers ; chronic rheumatism, cu- 
taneous diseases, uterine derangements, such 
as obstructed menstruation and fluor albus. 

" In dyspepsia, unconnected with chronic 
inflammation and fixed pain of the stomach, 
these waters will have an excellent effect ; 
and especially if, as is often the case in the 
middle and southern States, the disorder be 
connected with obstructions of the liver and 
enlarged spleen. Persons who have brought 
on dyspepsia by excess in eating too much 
mixed food, and drinking distilled and fer- 
mented liquors, if they restrict themselves to 
simple food in moderate quantities, and use 
no other fluid than the mineral and common 
water, have every thing to hope for by a resi- 
dence of a few weeks at the White Sulphur 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 151 

Springs. The jaundiced skin will here often 
receive its natural hue, the temper its wonted 
evenness, and most of the other unpleasant 
bilious symptoms, as they are called, will dis- 
appear by a suitable hygeienic course at this 
favoured spot. That state consisting in pecu- 
liar debility and nervousness, and cutaneous 
eruptions from the excessive use of mercury, 
will be removed by the same means." 

We have little to add to the enumeration 
made by Dr. Bell of the diseases to which the 
White Sulphur water is applicable. It may 
be used with great advantage in most cases of 
visceral disease, and will be found useful in 
some cases of neuralgia dependent on dyspep- 
sia. Nephritic disease produced by acidity 
will be benefitted by it, especially if combined 
with a small quantity of bi-carbon ate of soda. 

As it is highly stimulant, it is inadmissible 
in actual pulmonary disease, or in strong pre- 
disposition thereto, and has never failed to do 
mischief in those conditions of the system. 
In hepatic disease, its alterative power is 
much aided by occasional use of blue-mass in 
small doses. 

We have already given such hints with re- 



152 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

gard to the quantity of water proper to be 
drunk, and on diet and exercise, as we thought 
might be useful ; we cannot profitably add 
any thing on these subjects, but to remark 
that they must be modified to suit the wants 
and condition of each individual. 

Soon after the publication of the first edition 
of this work, a pamphlet was put forth by Dr. 
John Moorman, and gratuitously distributed, 
entitled " A Brief Notice of a portion of a 
work by William Burke, entitled ' The Min- 
eral Springs of Western Virginia,' with pre- 
liminary remarks on the relative virtues of the 
Saline and Gaseous contents of the White 
Sulphur Water, by John J. Moorman, M.D., 
Resident Physician at the White Sulphur 
Springs." 

We have heard that Dr. M. has chuckled a 
good deal at the fact, that we have never re- 
plied to his attempt to vindicate his " theory" 
and to ascribe to us selfish and unworthy mo- 
tives, in attacking that theory. 

Having placed before that worthy and dis- 
criminating gentleman, denominated " The 
Public," our view of the matter in question, 
and clearly, as we imagined, exposed an im- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 153 

pudent imposture, we saw no reason why we 
should take any farther pains to deprive the 
aforesaid personage of the exquisite pleasure 
of being humbuged. His attempt to fasten 
upon us unworthy motives, has fallen as harm- 
lessly as the yelping of little i: Tray," and we 
should not, at this distant day, have noticed 
his absurd and silly " Notice" but that we are 
called upon for a second edition of our work, 
and have therefore determined to amuse our 
readers with a few of his eccentricities. 
His pamphlet thus begins : 

" CHAPTER* 

11 On the relative virtues of the Saline and 
Gaseous contents of the White Sulphur 
Water. 

" Speculation has existed as to the rel- 
ative efficacy of the different component parts 

11 * This Chapter is a part of a work in manuscript, on the 
1 Mineral Springs of Virginia? which has been lying by us 
for some time nearly ready for the press, and which would 
have been published before this period, but for our desire to 
procure accurate drawings of some of the more celebrated 
watering places, and to obtain more specific information in 
relation to the composition and medical effects of some of the 
mineral waters in Eastern Virginia. 



154 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

of the White Sulphur Water in the cure of 
disease, and while some have supposed that its 
gaseous contents are essential to its sanative 
virtues, others, and we think the best inform- 
ed observers, attribute its medicinal virtues 
mainly to its solid or saline contents. To the 
latter opinion the able Professor of Natural 
Philosophy in the University of Virginia, who 
has carefully examined the water, and other 
distinguished chemists and physicians, deci- 
dedly incline. 

" It certainly is a question of no little inter- 
est to the valetudinarian, whether he should 
use this water fresh as it flows from the spring, 
and abounding in all its stimulating gas ; or 
whether he should use it after it has partially 
or entirely parted with this gas. To this sub- 
ject we have, for the last several years, devo- 
ted the most laborious and particular atten- 
tion, having instituted, with great care, vari- 
ous and diversified experiments, in order to 
establish something like definite and positive 
conclusions. 

" Although the value of this water in what 
is usually termed its non-stimulating form, 
or, in other words, when deprived of its gas, 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 155 

has long been known to many who are famil- 
iar with its use, it was not until the last few 
years that it was commonly used from choice, 
after it had been long removed from the 
spring, or from any cause had parted with its 
gaseous contents ; an opinion, the correctness 
of which had never been examined, prevailed 
in the minds of many, that in losing its gas, 
it lost its strength and efficacy. 

" Having settled at the { White,' as the res- 
ident physician of the place, it became alike 
our duty and our interest to investigate the 
character and operations of its waters under 
every possible form and modification in which 
they could be presented. In the pursuit of 
this duty, we resolved to take no opinion upon 
; trust,' but carefully to examine and investi- 
gate for ourselves. A prominent question im- 
mediately presented itself for inquiry, involv- 
ing the relative merits which the solid and 
gaseous ingredients of the water possess as 
remedial agents. It would be tedious, and, to 
man}', uninteresting, to detail the several steps 
and multiplied experiments which led us to 
conclusions upon the subject, satisfactory to 
our own mind, and upon which we have es- 



156 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

tablished certain practical principles in the use 
of the water, which have enabled us to pre- 
scribe it, especially for nervous and excitable 
patients, with far greater success than hereto- 
fore. It is sufficient for our purpose at present, 
to state, that while we freely admit that the 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas, which abounds 
in the water, is an active nervine stimulant, 
and therefore may be a most potent agent in 
some cases, we are fully impressed with the 
belief that either in its direct or indirect 
effects, we must look mainly to the solid con- 
fents of the water for its alterative power as 
well as for its activity manifested in its opera- 
tions through the different emunctories of the 
human body. 

" Whether the efficacy of the solid contents 
of this water be owing to the specific charac- 
ter of any one, or to all of the thirteen differ- 
ent salts of which it is composed, and which 
exist in the water in the most minute form of 
subdivision, and in this condition enter the 
circulation, and course through the whole sys- 
tem, applying themselves appropriately to dis- 
eased tissues ; or, whether its efficacy depends 
upon the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 157 

gas after the water has reached the stomach, 
is a matter of curious and interesting in- 
quiry. 

" The distinguished chemist, Mr. Augustine 
A. Hays, of Rocksbury, after having bestowed 
much pains in analysing the white sulphur 
water,- and in studying its peculiar character, 
comes to the following conclusions as to the 
source of its medicinal power. After describ- 
ing, at considerable length, a certain matter 
which he found to abound in the water, and 
which he terms c organic matter J in the 
course of which he says, it ' differs essentially 
from the organic matter of some thermal wa- 
ters,' he proceeds to say, ' In contact with 
earthy sulphates, at a moderate temperature, 
it produces hydro-sulphuric acid, and to this 
source, that acid contained in the water may 
be traced. This substance does not rapidly 
attract oxygen from the atmosphere, and from 
coloured compounds, as some other organic 
compounds do, — the medicinal properties of 
this water are probably due to the action of 
this organic substance. The hydro-sulphu- 
ric acid resulting from its natural action, is 
one of the most active substances within the 
14 



158 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

reach of physicians. There are chemical 
reasons for supposing that, after the water 
has reached the stomach, similar changes, 
accompanied by the production of hydro- 
sulphuric acid, takes place? 

" Before Mr. Hays had communicated the 
above opinion, growing out of his chemical 
examinations, we had again and again been 
much interested with certain phenomena 
which we have termed the secondary forma- 
tion of gas in the white sulphur water. In- 
stances had frequently been reported to us of 
the water having been put into bottles after it 
had lost its gas entirely, being void both of 
taste and smell, and yet, after these bottles 
were kept for some days in a warm situation, 
and then opened, the water appeared equally 
strong of the hydro-sulphuric acid, as it is 
found to be fresh at the fountain. - 

" In a shipment of this water to Calcutta, 
some years since, the c transporting company ' 
had the water bottled in Boston, from barrels 
that had been filled at the spring six months 
before. This water, although tasteless and 
inodorous, when put into the bottles at Bos- 
ton, was found, on its arrival at Calcutta, so 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 159 

strongly impregnated with the hydro-sulphuric 
acid gas as to render it necessary, under 
the direction of an intelligent gentleman of 
Boston, (who had witnessed this secondary 
formation of gas before,) to uncork the bottles 
for some time before using, that the excess of 
gas might escape/' 

We have given Dr. M. thus far " chapter " 
and verse, and as, hitherto, he has been oblig- 
ed to give himself aioay ) he should be obliged 
to us for setting a price upon him. A most 
estimable acquaintance of Dr. M. and ourself 
— a genuine laughing philosopher — some 
years ago, wrote a book to prove that there 
was no such personage as the Devil ; and he 
did prove it, entirely to his own satisfaction ; 
but unfortunately for his ingenious disquisi- 
tion, the learned divines would not counte- 
nance his if theory," and have continued, to 
the present day, declaiming against the old 
gentleman's horns and cloven foot. We fear 
it will be so, with Dr. M. and ourself: he will 
continue to recommend " stale icater" and 
we shall continue to prefer fresh : he will con- 
tinue to urge that — " This water, although 
tasteless and inodorous, when put into the 



160 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

bottles at Boston, was found, on its arrival at 
Calcutta, so strongly impregnated with the 
hydro-sulphuric acid gas, as to render it ne- 
cessary, under the direction of an intelligent 
gentleman of Boston, (who had witnessed this 
secondary formation of gas before,) to uncork 
the bottles for some time before using, that the 
excess of gas might escape." (Good reader, 
refrain from laughing, if you can.) And we, 
poor ignorant boor ! shall continue to believe, 

that the water was putrid, and ! 

Our transmontane Galen gives a quotation 
from a learned chemist, and after making him 
father deductions which must have made 
that gentleman smile, he says : " Whether 
the efficacy of the solid contents of this water 
be owing to the specific character of any 
one, or to all of the thirteen different salts 
of which it is composed, &c, or, whether 
its efficacy depends upon the evolution of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen gas after the water has 
reached the stomach, is a matter of curious 
and interesting inquiry." Mark this, good 
reader ! The gas as it comes from the foun- 
tain is a " nervine stimulant ;" but, as 
" evolved in the stomach" it may be the 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 161 

sweetest gas imaginable. May fate protect us 
from Dr. Moorman's stomachic gas ! 

u We had also known that in the process of 
thawing sulphur water in a warm room, that 
had been previously frozen, sulphuretted hy- 
drogen gas is evolved ; for although the ice 
has neither the taste nor smell of sulphur, a 
strong smell of sulphuretted hydrogen gas is 
manifest as the ice is returning to water. 

u We had often observed that individuals 
who drank the water entirely stale, and void 
alike of taste and smell, were as liable to have 
eructations of sulphuretted hydrogen gas as 
those who drank the water fresh at the foun- 
tain. These, and other facts connected with 
the peculiar operations and effects of this wa- 
ter when used in its ungaseous form, — opera- 
tions and effects which we cannot here with 
propriety refer to, but all going to prove the 
secondary formation of gas under certain cir- 
cumstances, — had, in our investigations of this 
water, interested us exceedingly, and conse- 
quently, we were not a little pleased that Mr. 
Hays 7 chemical examinations so fully sustain- 
ed the opinions we had been led to entertain 
from our personal observations." 
14* 



162 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

The Dr. says : " We had often observed 
that individuals who drank the water stale, 
were as liable to have eructations of sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas, as those who drank the 
water fresh at the fountain." We know not 
what effect the Doctor's observation may have 
upon the reader, but we declare our sides fair- 
ly ache from laughing at the discovery, that 
stale water makes the Dr. and his patients 
belch. Thanks to our stars that we are not 
near enough to appreciate " the operations 
and effects all going to prove the secondary 
formation of gas under certain circumstances." 

The Doctor proceeds : hear him ! 

" The interesting opinion of this distin- 
guished chemist, in connection with the nu- 
merous proofs, derived from analogy and ob- 
servation, of the secondary formation of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen gas in this water, would 
seem to be well calculated to harmonize the 
opinion advanced by us of the equal efficacy 
of the water when deprived of its gas, with 
the sentiment entertained by some, that the 
hydrogen gas is essential to its sanative opera- 
tions. 

" The phenomena of a secondary for- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 163 

matron of sulphuretted hydrogen gas in 
mineral waters, has not, that we are aware 
of, been noticed before ; it certainly has 
not in relation to the white sulphur 
water, and we sincerely hope that medical 
gentlemen generally, who may have occasion 
to use the water, will direct a careful attention 
to this singular fact. For ourselves, we prom- 
ise still further to investigate this interesting 
subject, and may, at some subsequent period, 
lay the results of such investigation before the 
medical public." 

We have thus far quoted from the " Prelim- 
inary Chapter" of our learned contemporary, 
which he informs us is part of " a work in 
manuscript, on the Mineral Springs of Virginia, 
which has been lying by us (him) for some 
time, nearly ready for the press." 

The Doctor's bantling has not yet been made 
public, though nearly ready for the press three 
years ago : we hope it has not gone upon a 
voyage to Calcutta, or, if it has, that it has 
been given in charge to that same " intelligent 
gentleman from Boston" who was so consider- 
ate as to save the poor Hindostanese from the 
u secondary formation of gas :" for we are sure 



164 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

that after three years, it must be a little stale, 
and, judging by the first chapter, tending to 
the " odour of rotten eggs." A writer in the 
Literary Messenger of May last, whose article 
on the qualities of the Warm Springs we 
have inserted in a previous chapter, has as- 
serted that " some persons faint at the fra- 
grance of the damask rose." 

" Oh ! if there be an Elysian on Earth, 
It is this, it is this !" 

Blessed fainting this ; "a little of thy civet, 
good Apothecary," for we and our readers have 
had so much of Dr. Moorman's " nervine 
stimulant and gas evolved in the stomach," 
there is danger our olfactories will become so 
stimulated as to make us sneeze to death. 

But we think we have given enough of the 
" Chapter" even to satisfy Dr. M. What say 
you, Dr.? If not, we will do you more am- 
ple justice in our third edition. Now to the 
Doctor's facts. 

" In this work, the author has arraigned us 
before the public in a manner so unjust, and 
at the same time so virulent, that however re- 
luctant we may be to enter the arena of con- 
troversy, we feel that he has left us no alterna- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 165 

tive. In the defence, however, of our charac- 
ter as a man, and of our views as a physician, 
we shall endeavour to curb those angry feelings 
which malignant aspersions are so well calcu- 
lated to arouse ; content to inflict no wound 
more severe than will follow the recoil of a 
futile effort to effect a sinister and selfish end. 

" That the public may be enabled more read- 
ily to appreciate the merits of the issue be- 
tween Mr. Burke and ourselves, we deem it 
better at once to lay before them a few prom- 
inent facts — which facts, we believe, will not 
only afford a key to the controversy, but shed 
much light upon the motives by which Mr. 
Burke has been actuated in dragging us be- 
fore the public, at the expense alike of justice 
and the common courtesies of life. 

" In the first place, he and ourselves are en- 
tire strangers to each other, and have had no 
intercourse which could possibly have engen- 
dered the slightest degree of personal hostility. 
In the second place. Mr. Burke is the Propri- 
etor of the Red Sulphur Springs, the water 
of which, he contends, is not only destitute of 
stimulating properties, but even sedative in its 
effects ; a peculiarity, whether real or imagin- 



166 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ary, upon which rests solely, or in an eminent 
degree, its medicinal reputation. Thirdly ; it 
is generally admitted that the white sulphur 
water, in its natural state, and as recently 
taken from the spring, is decidedly stimulant ; 
and further, that its stimulating effects depend 
upon the sulphuretted hydrogen gas contained 
therein. Fourthly ; it is well known that the 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas, or stimulating con- 
stituent of the recent white sulphur water, es- 
capes upon suffering that water to stand for 
some hours in an open vessel, or is driven off 
by heating it. And fifthly ; it follows, from 
what has been said relative to the stimulating 
effects of the gas, its escape, &c, that if the 
medicinal properties of this water reside main- 
ly in its saline ingredients, by suffering its gas 
to escape, the water may be so modified as to 
adapt it to those cases wherein a stimulant is 
contra-indicated, and in which the aperient 
and alterative effects of the water would prove 
essentially beneficial. 

" If, in connection with what has been said 
above, the reader will take into consideration 
the further fact that, in times past, many val- 
etudinarians were in the habit of leaving the 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 167 

White Sulpur Springs because of its stimula- 
ting property — and for that reason alone — to 
seek relief at the c Red,' he will have, we be- 
lieve, a clew by which he may readily be con- 
ducted to the source whence Mr. Burke's as- 
sault, upon what he is pleased to term our 
theory, has emanated. Suppose, for a mo- 
ment, that ' our theory' be correct, and that 
indisputable facts can be adduced, sufficient, 
in number and character, to show that the 
water in its modified form, and divested of its 
stimulative property, retains not only its ape- 
rient but its alterative agency, and thus be- 
comes adapted to those cases wherein, but for 
its stimulating character, it would, in its natu- 
ral state, have been indicated, — what then be- 
comes of the patronage which the 4 Red' 
once received from cases of this class ? Can 
any one suppose that, under such circum- 
stances, a preference would be given to the 
Red Sulphur? The idea, to one acquainted 
with the relative alterative value of the re- 
spective springs, is preposterous ; and those not 
familiar with the subject may readily infer, 
from the extreme sensitiveness of the e Pro- 



168 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

prietor of the Red,' that he regards the grounds 
of alarm as by no means trivial. 

" After having carefully examined the work 
of Mr. Burke, and maturely reflected upon its 
general character, we are forced to the conclu- 
sion that the attack which he has made upon 
ourselves should be regarded in no other light 
than as incidental to the general scheme — as 
a mere tributary towards the accomplishment 
of the end for which his book was written. 
What was that end ? To elevate in public 
estimation the medicinal virtues of the Red 
Sulphur Springs. Our humble self and our 
1 theory' stood in his way, and must be re- 
moved. The obstacle thus opposed may have 
been trivial, yet its suppression was deemed 
necessary. How was it to be accomplished ? 
To charge our ' theory' with injuring his 
Spring would not answer, — his motives might 
then have been suspected ; he assumes a vir- 
tue not his own ; he hearkens to the dictates 
of ' duty,' and impelled by the irresistible 
spirit of philanthropy, steps forward to the res- 
cue. Over the deluded victims of our ' theory' 
he stretches the broad aegis of his protection, 
dispels the darkness that envelopes them, and 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 169 

rejoices in the hope that they will yet quaff 
the waters of his health-giving fountain/' 

Any one who reads the paragraphs just 
quoted can see that the object of Dr. M. is to 
invalidate our attack upon his " theory' 1 by 
representing us as the " Proprietor of the Red 
Sulphur Springs," and thereby convicting us 
of unworthy and selfish motives. There is 
one important ingredient deficient in the Doc- 
tor's statement, and that is truth. When we 
wrote the little work of which he complains, 
we had no more interest in the Red Sulphur 
than he had, or than we have at this mo- 
ment. The facts were these : In the spring 
of 1S41 we surrendered possession of the pro- 
perty by a deed or contract recorded in the 
County Court of Monroe, and in the autum 
of that year removed to Richmond. In Feb- 
ruary. 1S42, we divested ourselves of every 
residuary interest in the estate, and the work 
impugned by Dr. M. was written and publish- 
ed between that time and July, 1S42. So it 
will be seen that the charge of selfishness and 
base motives falls to the ground, and with it 
all the fabric raised by Dr. M. on this sandy 
foundation. The truth is, that, having on 
15 



170 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

our hands many hours of solitude, in the ab- 
sence of our family, and believing that we 
might do good by directing public attention 
to hygienic agents of great importance in our 
estimation, we determined to devote our leisure 
to a treatise on the subject. We have never 
derived one dollar's profit from it, having given 
our manuscript to the publishers ; and as to 
literary reputation, the theme was one too 
unpromising, even had we the vanity to aspire 
to that distinction. But there is a gratification 
beyond all other considerations, which has 
made our heart throb with pleasurable emo- 
tions, and that is, that many an invalid has 
expressed to us deep gratitude for the publica- 
tion of our little manual. To have put in the 
right way one unfortunate sufferer would be 
payment enough for all our trouble ; but, we 
thank God, the acknowledged benefits have 
exceeded our most sanguine expectations ; if 
the drinkers of Dr. Moorman's stale water 
have proved as grateful as our readers, we 
shall be pleased to hear it ; but we fear he 
gets more curses than blessings. But he says 
our sole object in attacking his theory, was, 
lest the White Sulphur water, by being de- 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 171 

prived of its stimulating properties, should rival 
the Red Sulphur in the sedative effects claim- 
ed for it. and thereby jeopard our interest. 
The absurdity of this allegation is manifest 
even to a half-idiot ; for even Dr. M., obtuse as 
he seems to be in such matters, must see that 
the large portion of saline ingredients in the 
White Sulphur must, primarily, act altoge- 
ther as a stimulus to the peristaltic motion of 
the intestines and to the intestinal surfaces, 
and to the circulation, whilst the claim set up 
for the Red Sulphur rests upon an opposite 
composition. Those waters therefore never 
have been, and never can be rivals. 

It is true enough that Dr. M. has duped 
some unfortunate invalids by advising the use 
of an agent which, however valuable when 
properly applied, is, when misapplied, exceed- 
ingly deleterious, and it is equally true he may 
do so again ; but for that he will have to an- 
swer at a bar where no special pleading will 
avail him. As to our interest, whatever mis- 
understanding may have existed on that head, 
even he will not say that we have any interest 
now. Surely we cannot be suspected of any 
peculiar interest for the present proprietors ; 



172 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

yet, we re-assert all we have said in praise of 
that remarkable water ; and no circumstances 
that have arisen can ever cause us to withhold 
our real sentiments respecting an agent which 
we consider important to a portion of our fel- 
low-beings. 

We shall make no further quotations from 
Dr. M. His facts are without foundation in 
truth ; his arguments puerile and shallow ; his 
theories untenable ; his absurdities ridiculous ; 
his motives palpable and culpable ; and his ef- 
forts to bolster up a selfish practice, a gross im- 
position. 

Now who would have thought that a grave 
physician could have relied on the fact, that 
his putrid water, at Calcutta, emitted a nox- 
ious gas, to prove that this water had been di- 
vested of its nervine stimulus, when the truth 
probably was, that any poor wight, who might 
be so imprudent as to hold his nose in contact 
with it, would encounter a knock-down argu- 
ment ? He urges, too, that this stale water, 
as he aptly calls it, is better than fresh water : 
" Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego." — Swine 
may believe him, men cannot. An English- 
man prefers stale bread to fresh, but we opine 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 173 

John Bull would turn up his nose at stale wa- 
ter, even though capable of " evolving gas 
in the stomach." By the way, we always 
thought it was a grand object with the physi- 
cian to prevent the " evolution of gas in the 
stomach f but it seems Dr. M. has an espe- 
cial penchant for this secondary formation* 
and perhaps, having experienced the comfort 
of it in his own abdominal apartments, desires 
that his patients should enjoy a similar bless- 
ing. In conclusion we offer the following 
Bagatelle as our reply to the remainder of Dr. 
M.'s pamphlet. 

SCENE — THE PAVILION. 

Dr. Moorman seated with copies of his pamphlet 
in his hand — enter two visiters. 

1st Visiter. Good morning to you, Sir ! Yv~e 
are just arrived, and will thank you to inform 
us where we may find the resident physician, 
Dr. Moorman. 

Dr. M. (rising and bowing). 1 am your hum- 
ble servant, gentlemen, and the person whom 
you seek. 

1st Vis. We have fallen in with you very 
apropos, sir, and desire to consult you on the 
15* 



174 



SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



waters adapted to our cases, which we will in- 
dividually explain. 

Dr. M. (aside). I saw them coming, and 
judged curiosity would quickly bring them 
hither, (aloud) Well, gentlemen, I shall be 
most happy to hear your cases, and to counsel 
you on a matter of so much importance as the 
use of the waters. 

1st Vis. My case. Sir, is supposed by my 
physician to be irritability of the nervous 
tissue of the stomach and intestines, and my 
instructions are to visit the Red Sulphur, and 
then use the Sweet Spring Bath. 

Dr. M. It is altogether unnecessary for you 
to visit that dismal place, where the solar rays 
do not penetrate, until that luminary reaches 
its meridian. I have learned to make this 
water exactly similar to the Red Sulphur, and 
equally efficacious. I have discovered, gentle- 
men, that the sulphuretted hydrogen is " an 
active nervine stimulant ;" I divest it of this 
stimulant and its saline matter by boiling, 
while I am procuring material for my celebra- 
ted White Sulphur pills ■, and then, on cooling, 
I add to a gallon of distilled water half a pint 
of water from the fountain, just, you know, to 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 175 

give it a little odour, and it is Red Sulphur 
water. 

1st Vis. Well, but what substitute do you 
propose for the Sweet Springs? 

Dr. M. My dear Sir, nothing in the world 
easier ! just let this, water stand in an open 
vessel 24 hours and add a little lemon juice ! 

2d Vis. Mine, Sir, is a case of habitual con- 
stipation, and my physician directs I shall use 
the waters of the Salt Sulphur. 

Dr. M. My dear Sir ! is it possible your med- 
ical adviser did not know, that my concentra- 
ted White Sulphur pills had superseded the 
use of the Salt Sulphur ? No, no, Sir, remain 
where you are ; let the sulphur water stand in 
your pitcher 12 hours, (for you are aware that 
taking it with the gas would be like taking 
" a purgative potion administered in wine, 
toddy, or any other diffusible stimulant?) and 
drink a dozen glasses in the 24 hours, taking, 
morning and evening, four of my concentra- 
ted pills. 

2d Vis. Well ! but, Dr., a very distinguished 
physician of Philadelphia declares he has de- 
tected corrosive sublimate in your pills, and 



176 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

that their being made altogether of White 
Sulphur residuum is — 

Dr.M. Is what, Sir? 

2d Vis. Why, a humbug ! 

Dr. M. (aside). The deuce ! so I am found 
out, am I ? (aloud) The fact is, gentlemen, 
ahem ! — (aside) alas for my modesty ! ahem ! 
— the fact is, the gentleman, whoever he may 
be, envies the high reputation I have acquired 
by my White Sulphur pills. Mine, gentlemen, 
is a character above suspicion, and if you in- 
vestigate my whole course, through life, you 
will find it to be characterized by disinterested- 
ness and a contempt of pelf. 

2d Vis. That may be all true, Sir ; but, Dr., 
look me straight in the face now, and answer, 
upon honour, have you never put that innocent 
ingredient above mentioned into your pills ? 
(The Dr. hangs down his head.) Come, Dr., I 
ask you again to look me straight in the face, 
and answer my interrogatory. 

Dr. M. Any fool may ask questions, but it 
takes a wise man to answer them. 

1st Vis. It appears, Dr., that it takes a 
wiser man, not to answer them. 

2d Vis. I hold in my hand a work entitled 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 177 

the " Mineral Springs of Western Virginia," 
in which the writer attacks your theory, that 
sulphuretted hydrogen is an " active nervine 
stimulant," and asserts that your attempt to 
substitute decomposed sulphur water for the 
genuine article is a gross imposition. 

Dr. M. And / hold in my hand, Sir, a com- 
plete refutation of all the positions of the au- 
thor of that flimsy production. I have de- 
molished that Burke, Sir. Have you never 
seen my reply, gentlemen ? Aljow me to pre- 
sent you each a copy. (Hands the pamphlets.) 
There, gentlemen, there you will find u mul- 
tum in parvo" 

1st Vis. Dr. ! what does that mean? my 
old schoolmaster used to translate it, by trans- 
position, a big head and little wit; perhaps, 
however, this is great wit in a little book. 
But, Dr., if this water be better in Boston than 
here, why do we leave the comforts of home 
and incur the labour and expense of so long a 
journey ? Mind now, Sir, like all Yankees, I 
am a utilitarian — I go for the common sense 
of the thing. 

Dr. M. In truth, gentlemen, the water is 
better, as I have abundantly proved, by the 



178 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

certificates of respectable men ; but there are 
advantages to be derived from rusticating, du- 
ring the summer months, in this charming re- 
treat ; and moreover, if I may not violate mod- 
esty in saying so, it is not the least of those 
advantages that you may have the benefit of 
your very humble servant's experience and 
counsel. 

2d Vis. We appreciate your genius, Sir, as 
much as we respect your modesty. Both are, 
beyond question, sui generis. We acknowl- 
edge your profundity, admire your disinterest- 
edness, and venerate your candour and fair- 
dealing ; but gold may be bought too dearly, 
and to use a vulgar expression, it is " paying 
too dear for the whistle" to come from Boston 
for Dr. Moorman's advice, pills, and stale wa- 
ter ; so good morning, Sir. 

Dr. M. Oh ! But stop, gentlemen, I charge 
for advice — ten dollars. 

' 2d Vis. The deuce ! you do : well, and what 
advice have you given us ? 

Dr. M. Why, gentlemen, I have advised 
you to take my pills and drink stale water, 
and I have, moreover, instructed you how to 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 179 

make Red Sulphur, Salt Sulphur, and Sweet 
Spring water. 

1st Vis. Oh ! but, Dr., if we drink your stale 
water, we shall have evolutions of gas in 
the stomach. 

Dr. M. My dear Sir, it is the most comfort- 
able thing imaginable — only think, I have ex- 
perienced its operations and effects for years, 
and I aver it is delightful ! 

2d Vis. Dr. ! I am afraid you are playing 
the part of the fox in the fable ; and after all, 
that gas in the stomach is any thing but com- 
fortable. 

Dr. M. Such has been the opinion ; but. 
Sir, I claim the merit of first having made 
this discovery in medical science. 

1st Vis. Well, well, Dr., there is no dispu- 
ting about tastes. Upon the whole, however, 
we must study a little, before we take your 
advice. Pray, Sir, what did you say your 
fee was ? 

Dr. M. Only ten dollars, gentlemen, and I 
give you, each, my pamphlet gratis. The 
pills will only cost you 50 cents a box. And 
I shall be most happy to get your orders for a 
few bbls. of water ; I assure you it will be bet- 



180 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ter in Boston than here, for it loses its stimula- 
ting gas. 

1st Vis. My good Dr. ! I perceive your the- 
ory is, that a part is equal to the whole ; now, 
it exactly suits our own views on this occasion. 
I have a ten dollar note of the Pigeon Roost 
Bank ; the discount is only fifty per cent. : 
call that the gas, and persuade yourself it is 
better than Virginia money. 

Dr. M. There is no analogy whatever be- 
tween the two cases: I go for current, good 
money, Sir ; no rotten Banks ! 

1st Vis. We think there is a palpable anal- 
ogy, and wonder you don't understand Logic 
better. 

Dr. M. Oh ! that is Burke's Logic ; you 
cannot mean, Sir, to palm this note upon me 
for good currency. 

2d Vis. Yes, but indeed we do : I guess 
half a loaf is better than no bread ; Eh ! so 
good morning ! [Exeunt Visiters. 

Dr. M. (solus, reads) : " The President and 
Directors of the Pigeon-Roost Bank, Georgia,* 
promise to pay" — faugh ! it smells of guano ! 

* There actually was such a Bank ! 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 181 

Deuce take the Yankees ! Utilitarians ! man- 
ufacturers of wooden nutmegs ! Pigeon-Roost ! 
indeed ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! One of the impu- 
dent feliows, too, asked me to look him straight 
in the face. I see Burke's finger in all this. 

[Enter B. 

B. " Whatj are you hurt, lieutenant 1 

M. *• Ay. past all surgery. 

B. " Marry, heaven forbid ! 

31. i: Reputation — reputation — reputation ! 
Oh ! I have lost my reputation ! 1 have lost 
the immortal part, Sir, of myself, and what re- 
mains is bestial. My reputation, my reputa- 
tion — 

B. '" Reputation is an idle and most false 
composition : oft got without merit/" 

We dow turn from Dr. M. to a more agree- 
able and interesting subject, the virtues and 
properties of the White Sulphur Waters, and 
we do so with the greater pleasure, because we 
desire to assure our readers that, whatever has 
been said regarding the course of that individ- 
ual, we have never, in the most remote degree, 
disparaged those valuable waters. So far 
from it, we have always acknowledged their 
pre-eminent virtues and the capacity of exten- 
16 



182 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

sion which that favoured locality possesses over 
all the other Mineral Springs in Virginia. 
There is not at present known, on the broad 
surface of the United States, any Sulphur wa- 
ter which, in our estimation, ranks with the 
White Sulphur. It possesses a happy combi- 
nation of properties, and is peculiarly adapted 
to the sequela of those diseases which prevail 
in Southern latitudes. Public opinion, which 
in the end seldom judges wrong, has stamped 
its value, and he is its worst enemy, who 
would deprive it of a single ingredient for the 
purpose of impudently palming it. in an altered 
state, as a panacea, for all diseases. 

These waters are the true remedy, or they 
are not. If they be. let them be applied : if 
not, no man. with either a feeling of human- 
ity in his bosom, or proper professional pride, 
or a sense of justice to the agent itself, would, 
under false pretences, persevere in administer- 
ing them. 

We have learned with no ordinary pleasure, 
that the late season was profitable. The com- 
pany is said to have been the largest since 
1839, and afforded a better average. The es- 
tablishment continues under the control of 




WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 183 

Wm, B. Calwell. Esq.. whose manager du- 
ring the last season was Mr. Edwin Porter, so 
well known as stage contractor. In an es- 
tablishment so large and unwieldy, there will, 
and must be abuses ; but it has been univer- 
sally acknowledged that the comforts of the 
place were greatly enhanced during the last 
season. We learn that the Springs, with the 
great landed estate attached to them, are of- 
fered for sale at three hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, and it is stated that some 
years ago. the proprietors refused half a million 
for them. They are well worthy the atten- 
tion of capitalists. 



CHAPTER XL 

RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The Red Sulphur Springs are situated in 
Monroe county, 42 miles from the White Sul- 
phur, 39 miles from the Sweet Springs, 32 
miles by the partly-made turnpike road, from 
the Blue Sulphur, and 17 miles from the Salt 
Sulphur. 

In extent of accommodations, which is suf- 
ficient for 350 persons, as well as in the num- 
ber of visiters and duration of the season, this 
Spring ranks next to the White Sulphur, 
The improvements consist of the Hotel, 180 
feet by 42> two stories, containing dining- 
room, drawing-rooms, and bar and store-rooms, 
&c, with a double piazza the whole length ; 
Alabama Row, 300 feet long, with a piazza the 
whole length, and a neat two-story building 
at one end ; Philadelphia Row, 200 feet long, 
with a piazza ; Batchelor's Row, 104 feet long ; 
Carolina House, 112 feet long, and two stories 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 185 

high. Between the two last ranges is a house 
for the reception of visiters on their arrival. 
There is a continuous piazza from the extreme 
end of Philadelphia Row to that of Carolina 
House, 471 feet in length. 

Above Bachelor's Row, on a terrace, is So- 
ciety Hall, 80 by 42 feet, two stories and a 
basement, having a portico supported by nine 
Ionic columns, 25 feet high, and presenting a 
very imposing front from the valley. Besides 
these ranges, there are numerous cottages and 
offices, and at the entrance a mercantile es- 
tablishment ; but the structure most deserv- 
ing of notice is the Pavilion over the Springs. 

This beautiful edifice was erected in 1830 
after a design of Mr. Strickland of Philadel- 
phia. It is a dome 42 feet in diameter, sup- 
ported by 12 Ionic columns. The height 
from the base to the top of the entablature is 
about 30 feet. The Springs rise 10 feet be- 
neath the natural level of the valley, and 
their depth being over 4 feet, you descend 5J 
feet by circular steps. The whole height 
from the level of the water to the top of the 
dome is about 50 feet. The Springs rise ho- 
rizontally in two marble reservoirs. They 
16* 



186 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

derive their name from a rich lake- colour de- 
posit which is sometimes seen in large quan- 
tity on the sides of the fountains. Their 
waters are conducted into a wooden reservoir 
in the centre, and thence by pipes to the 
bathing-house. 

On the summit of the beautiful southern 
hill that overlooks the village, and which is 
named Mount Ida, is a handsome octagonal 
summer house, 45 feet in diameter. It was 
from near this spot that the view, now to be 
seen at the Exchange Hotel, Richmond, was 
taken in 1836 by George Cooke, Esq. It does 
not, of course, exhibit the subsequent im- 
provement ; but otherwise gives a most cor- 
rect idea of the scene. 

The Red Sulphur Springs came into the 
possession of the author of this work in the 
autumn of 1832 by purchase. It would be 
difficult to conceive a spot better calculated 
to discourage an attempt at improvement, and 
indeed many had declared it impracticable to 
any extent. Such, however, was not our opi- 
nion : we were aware that it was only neces- 
sary to follow, rather than subdue Nature, 
and that by doing so we might make some- 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 187 

thing interesting" out of this wild and un- 
promising gorge. It is not too much to say- 
that the result has corresponded with our an- 
ticipations, and that whether as a whole, or 
in detail, this little valley may compare fa- 
vourably with any merely rural scene in 
America. 

It may not be improper to observe that all 
the arrangements for the accommodation of 
the guests at this place are calculated to in- 
sure comfort. The market affords varied and 
abundant supplies ; a well cultivated garden 
produces a variety of the finest vegetables. 
Abundance, neatness, and kind and iaipartial 
attention, are the order of the establishment. 

When the extraordinary powers and pro- 
perties claimed for this water as a curative 
agent are considered, it will readily be con- 
ceded that a more extensive notice than we 
have given of the other Springs is not only 
necessary but indispensable to a just esti- 
mate of its peculiar action on the human sys- 
tem. We shall, therefore, without farther 
apology, treat the subject more in detail, and 
if we should be so unfortunate as to fatigue the 
reader by the introduction of collateral sub- 



188 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

jects, the error should be imputed to our ear- 
nest desire to shed upon the subject all the 
light in our power. 

In Chapter VI. of this work we have given 
the sketch of Prof. Rogers's analysis furnished 
to us by that gentleman some years ago ; we 
now lay before the reader an elaborate ana- 
lysis by A. A. Hayes, Esq. of Roxbury, Mass. 
It is impossible to read this paper without 
perceiving that it is the result of a zealous 
and patient investigation by a man intimately 
conversant with the details of his profession. 
In some particulars, his results are different 
from those obtained by Professor Rogers ; in 
others, they correspond very remarkably. 
The organic substance discovered in the wa- 
ter so abundantly, supposed by Mr. Rogers to 
be analogous with glairine, but called by 
Mr. Hayes sulphur compound, is believed by 
both to be probably an important cause of the 
peculiar agency of the water. There can be 
little doubt, we think, that this property of the 
water, its extraordinary freedom from saline 
and earthy impurities, the well adjusted pro- 
portions of its several gases, and its low tern- 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 189 

perature, are the immediate causes of its 
remarkable virtues. 

"Roxbury Laboratory, 17th Jan., 1842. 
" Dr. William Burke : 

" Dear Sir, — Through my friends, J. S. 
Cook, Esq. and Dr. H. J. Bowditch, I received 
specimens of the water, red deposit and mud, 
from the Red Sulphur Springs, in Virginia, 
for chemical analysis. It was with great in- 
terest that I engaged in the experiments, as 
very little was known of the chemical compo- 
sition of this water, although its medicinal 
effects had rendered the watering-place a cel- 
ebrated one. I have sent Mr. Cook an ac- 
count of the results obtained. Since my 
observations were communicated, Mr. Cook 
has allowed me to peruse a copy of a letter 
from Professor Rogers, dated in May, 1835, 
in which is contained a notice of a peculiar 
organic matter contained in the water. He 
has therefore anticipated my discovery, by 
some years. I do not, however, consider this 
substance identical with baragene or glairine 
of the Warm Springs of Italy and France. 
It is, so far as I know, new and peculiar, and 



190 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

seems to be an azotised base combined with 
sulphur, and so combined as to neutralize the 
distinctive characters of the sulphur. The hy- 
drosulphuric acid gas (sulphuretted hydrogen) 
found in the water, is produced through the 
agency of this body ; either by its action on 
the sulphates present, or more probably the 
substance itself disengages hydro, sulp. acid, 
before reaching the surface of the earth, ab- 
stracting oxygen from air already dissolved 
in the water. It is in favour of this view that 
less oxygen is present in this than in common 
water, the mixture of oxygen and nitrogen in 
river water often giving 38 per 100 of oxygen. 
I have minutely examined the saline contents 
of the water, and the results sent you are 
those which have been checked by independ- 
ent experiments. The almost entire absence 
of chlorine, or muriatic acid, is a singular fact. 
I examined every bottle for chlorine, and al- 
though in most of them traces were found, 
they were not constantly observed, and quite as 
likely to be derived from accidental sources, as 
from the water. The largest quantity found 
would have carried my decimals to four, or 
five, and is wholly unimportant. The water 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 191 

gives by tests indications like those observed 
when chlorine is present, but the appearance 
is fallacious. I have arranged the acids and 
basis according to the views of Murray and 
Berzelius, and experiments show that in this 
case these views are correct. The alkaline 
action of this water is due to the solution of 
the carbonate of magnesia in carbonic acid 
(Murray's fluid magnesia), and the peculiar 
substance distinctive of this water seems to be 
dissolved in this solution. 

" You will not fail to observe that the chem- 
ical history of the peculiar t sulphur com- 
pound' is incomplete. My principal object in 
addressing you at this time is to request you 
to furnish me with more of the ' red deposit/ 
as a source of it. Professor Rogers supposed 
the sulphur was deposited and mixed with it. 
I believe no trace of uncombined sulphur can 
be found in it, in its fresh state ; and when I 
fermented it, hydro-sulp. acid was the form 
it appeared in. I deem this a very important 
distinction, in a medical point of view, and 
incline to the opinion that all the sulphur in 
this compound is in a state fitted to be ab- 
sorbed in the animal system^ as no other 



192 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

known solution, or powder of sulphur, is, ex- 
cepting perhaps hydro-sulp. acid. The opin- 
ion that substances of delicately balanced 
affinities in their changes give rise to changes 
in other bodies, is gaining ground among the 
most learned physiologists and chemists, and 
such a view of the effects of some of the con- 
stituents of mineral waters is perhaps a cor- 
rect one. I exclude of course all those wa- 
ters wherein one stable constituent of great 
activity gives character to the water, and in- 
clude those, which differ bat little in saline 
constitution from well-waters generally, but 
contain besides, a substance in a state of pass- 
ing from one form of matter to a new form 
and constitution of matter. These views 
would be more acceptable, if experiments had 
demonstrated their truth : for this we must 
wait. 

" Chemists are indebted to M. Liebig, for a 
clear exposition of the phenomena attending 
fermentation and decay. Many had, doubt- 
less, entertained similar opinions, but for an 
explanation of some of the most recondite 
changes, resulting from chemical action, he 
was the first to propose the transfer of action, 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 193 

from one changing body, to another which 
may be alone a stable substance. 

'• The chemical history of the sulphur com- 
pound, shows that, like yeast, it has the power 
of inducing changes among the constituents 
of another body, like those it is itself undergo- 
ing. Healthy surfaces and tissues may resist 
its power, and the water in which it is dissolv- 
ed may not produce any effect of disturbance 
on a healthy stomach. Waters containing a 
minute portion of the salt called Hydriodate 
of Potash, may be used as an ordinary bever- 
age, without any marked action. But diseas- 
ed organs and impaired vital action allow of 
marked effects being produced by such waters. 
Experiments, made on larger quantities of the 
deposit from the Spring, demonstrate the exist- 
ence of phosphates, in small quantity. The 
origin of this singular substance, which for 
past ages has been poured out from the strata, 
is a question of great interest. The quantity 
w T ould indicate that the source of supply can 
only be the organic matter of rocks constitu- 
ting an extensive formation. Its composition 
leads me to infer that we are drawing curative 
effects, as we do articles of beauty and luxury, 
17 



194 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

from an older than the present state of crea- 
tion. 

"The 'red deposit' I inferred from chem- 
ical observation to be exhibiting signs of vital 
action. Dr. Rogers had earlier made the ob- 
servation from inspection. In relation to 
some compounds referred to above, baragene 
and glairine, botanists have arranged them 
as organized beings, in the species Tremulosa, 
and suppose the seeds to be brought by the 
water to a suitable place for germination ; so 
much for the evidence obtained by the aid of 
lenses and eyes. On the other hand, it has 
been demonstrated by chemists, that the sub- 
stance present in the water is not the sub- 
stance which the botanists have named : 
lenses and eyes cannot see it ; it unites to 
other bodies and plays a certain part, can be 
separated, and retains its former properties. 
The circumstances, under which substances 
of this kind are deposited, seem to have been 
overlooked, or misunderstood. In all cases the 
waters have been slightly changed in consti- 
tution, after leaving that point in their courses 
below which, deposition never takes place. 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 195 

Thus a water highly charged with carbonic 
acid, losing a part of this, in contact with the 
atmosphere, will deposit so much of a body 
held in solution in carbonic acid, as was dis- 
solved by that part which has passed off. It 
is always a very small part of the whole quan- 
tity which is deposited ; the bulk goes forward 
with the water. Rocky strata change waters 
in this way, and when several kinds of stone 
are wetted by the same water, some produce 
this change, others do not. In the matter 
thus deposited, the seeds of organic matter 
vegetate, often with surprising rapidity. I 
have seen the silicious shells of animalculse, 
after the death of these active little beings, fall 
to the bottom of a glass vessel, closely stopper- 
ed ; and within a week, a close deep-green 
covering of moss has completely invested and 
covered the remains. In the Red Sulphur 
Spring, the red lichen seems to have found in 
the sulphur compound a congenial soil, for its 
ramifications extend throughout it. The 
black mud seems to have changed the sulphur 
compound, combining through it ferreous salts 
with the sulphur, and giving oxygen to the 



196 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

other constituents of the compound.* I think 
you will observe that the marble-slabs, pieces 
of wood, metal, &c. act differently in produc- 
ing or receiving the deposition, — sunlight and 
shade often cause different effects. 

" Respectfully, 
" Aug. A. Hayes." 



* The phenomenon mentioned by Mr. Hayes, has caused 
much speculation at the Springs. The colour undergoes 
various changes of hue in an incredibly short space of time. 
Since the new temple has been erected over the fountain, the 
rays of light falling differently on them sometimes affect the 
brilliancy of the colour, but the quantity of the deposit never 
varies. It is also true that wood is more favourable to the 
appearance of the deposit than marble. 



^- SKAPER'S 
MINERAL WATER DEPOT, 

^ 1010 F. STREET, N. W., 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 



CHAPTER XII. 

RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER, VIRGINIA. 

This water is perfectly colorless and 
transparent; when agitated it has an agreeable 
sparkling appearance. Its odor is that of 
hydro-sulphuric acid, mixed with that from 
earth or clay ; the latter being retained, after 
the hydro-sulphuric acid is dissipated, or des- 
troyed. Its taste is hepatic and slightly bit- 
ter. By ebullition, it does not immediately 
become turbid, gases escape, and when re- 
duced in volume by evaporation deposition 
takes place. 

The specific gravity of this water, com- 
pared with pure water at the same tempera- 
ture, and pressure equal, is 100029. Subject- 
ed to the influence of chemical re-agents, it 
presents the following characters : 
With a solution of chromate of potash, the 

yellow color becames greenish 

yellow. 



198 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

With a solution of nitrate of mercury, a gray- 
ish-brown precipitate is formed. 

" acetate of lead ; the first drops give 
a brown colored precipitate ; an 
additional quantity of a yellowish 
white precipitate. 

" bisulphate of copper ; at first brown, 
succeeded by a bulky greenish- 
gray precipitate. 

" sulphate of silver, a brown, succeeded 
by a yellowish white and floccu- 
lent precipitate. 

" muriate of baryta, a white precipitate, 
insoluble in acids. 

" oxalate of ammonia, a white precipi- 
tate. 

" nitrate of silver and ammonia, white 
precipitate, which becomes brown 
and purple in sunlight. 

" nitrate of copper and ammonia, a pale 
bluish-green precipitate is formed, 
after the first few drops of the re- 
agent have separated a brown pre- 
cipitate. 

" tincture of iodine, added to a large 
bulk of the water, containing starch 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 199 

dissolved in it. instantly gives a 
blue colour to the starch. 
Analysis. — Indications above described af- 
ford evidence of hydrosulphuric acid in the 
water, while the iodine solution shows that it 
exists in a relatively small proportion. A 
bottle of the water was mixed, at the moment 
of taking it from the Spring, with a small 
quantity of oxide of bismuth, and closely 
sealed. After the agitation due to carriage, 
and rest for several weeks, it was found that 
the particles of oxide of bismuth were render- 
ed brown superficially, and no traces of hy- 
dro-sulphuric acid remained in the water. The 
oxide contained carbonic acid, and less than 
one-third of a grain of the oxide had absorbed 
and combined with all the hydro-sulphuric 
acid, contained in about fourteen thousand 
grains of the recently drawn water. By care- 
ful experiments, in which the hydro-sulphuric 
acid was measured by its action on iodine, 
and the latter weighed in its silver compound, 
the bulk of the hydro-sulphuric acid was as- 
certained. 

50,000 grains (about seven pints) of the 
water, from which the hydro-sulphuric acid 



200 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

had been removed, afforded by the usual pro- 
cesses 2698 grain measures of gases, or one 
volume of gases from 18£ volumes of water. 
1000 parts of the mixed gases are made up of 
Carbonic acid gas, 4-19 

Nitrogen gas, 4-77 „ 

Oxygen gas, 1-04 

1-000 



The two latter gases form the bulk of oui 
atmosphere, in the proportion of 79 nitrogen 
to 21 oxygen — 477 of nitrogen requires 126 
oxygen, while the analysis gives 104, show- 
ing that oxygen is abstracted by the constitu- 
ents of the water. All the well-corked bottles 
had rarefied atmospheres over the water, and 
when they were pierced even at 32° F., air 
would enter. 

A well-sealed bottle, containing the hydro- 
sulphuric acid gas in the water, afforded for 
50,000 parts of water 3088 of mixed gases, or 
one volume of gases from less than 17 volumes 
of water, consisting of 

Carbonic acid gas, 1245 

Nitrogen gas, 1497 

Oxygen gas, 260 

Hydrosulpburic acid gas, 86 

3008 



RED SUPHLUR SPRING WATER. 201 

Gaseous contents of a gallon, or 231 cubic 
inches of the Red Sulphur Spring water — 
Carbonic acid, 5-750 

Nitrogen. 6-916 

Oxygen, 1-201 

Hydrosulphuric acid, 397 



14-264 



In this analysis, the proportion of oxygen 
gas to the nitrogen is still smaller, a result 
which accords with other observations made at 
the same time. The hydrosulphuric acid gas 
is the most active of the gases found ; while 
the carbonic acid gas acts the part of an 
acid, in rendering earthy salts soluble in the 
water. 

50,0§0 grains (about seven pints) of this 
water afforded by slow evaporation in air 
at 200° F., a light yellowish-brown matter, 
which, after it had been carefully dried, 
weighed 20 T W grs. At the temperature of 
240 c F.j this residue becomes changed, and 
suffers a loss of weight, being reduced to 
17-55 grs. 

This residue contains the saline part of the 
water, and is composed of — 



202 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Silicious earthy matter, containing 
traces of oxide of iron and alumina, 
probably suspended merely, 0.70 

Sulphate of soda in a dry state, 3*55 

which forms with the water 802 grs. 
Glauber's salts. 

Sulphate of lime, 0-47 

Carbonate of lime, 4-50 

dissolved in carbonic acid. 

Carbonate of magnesia, 4-13 

dissolved in carbonic acid, and form- 
ing the " Fluid magnesia." 
A peculiar substance, containing 

Sulphur combined with organic matter, 7*20 

20-55 

There are traces of chlorine, or n^uriatic 
acid, in some specimens, but at most only 
0-03 of chloride of silver could be separated 
from 10,000 grs. of water. This substance is 
rarely absent from natural waters, which have 
penetrated the earth. 

The peculiar sulphur compound which 
forms a part of the saline contents of this 
water, has never been described, if it has ever 
before been met with. While in the natural 






RED SULPHUR SPRIXG WATER. 203 

state, and out of contact with atmospheric air, 
it is dissolved in the water, and forms a per- 
manent solution. Air, acids, and other agents, 
separate it from the water, in the form of a 
jelly, and alkaline carbonates, alkalies, water, 
and other agents re-dissolve it. It has no acid 
action on test fluids, but bears that character 
with bases, and forms compounds analogous 
to salts. In its decomposition, ammonia is 
formed, and hydrosulphuric acid is liberated ; 
or if heat be employed in the experiment, 
sulphur is separated. It combines with the 
oxide of silver, and forms a salt of a reddish 
purple color, in the form of a flocculent pre- 
cipitate, which dissolves in pure water ; with 
the oxide of lead, a yellowish white powder, 
and with the oxide of copper, a pale blue salt 
in fine powder. In these compounds it re- 
mains unaltered, and may be separated from 
them and transferred to other bases. 

Mixed with a small quantity of water, and 
exposed to the temperature of SO F., it de- 
composes, and emits a most offensive odor 
of putrefying animal matter, with hydrosulp. 
acid gas. It is to this property that the hydro- 
sulphuric acid in the water is due, and to the 



204 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

oxidation of a part of this compound most of 
the sulphuric acid found in the water may be 
referred. 

I have endeavoured to ascertain how its 
elements are arranged, but so small a quan- 
tity has been separated, that I could not in- 
sure the purity of any salt formed with it. 
l T 4 / grs. gave with oxide of copper 3 T 4 2 grs. 
of a dry, bluish-green compound. 

With the specimens of water, I received a 
small quantity of a " red deposit," which in- 
vests the surfaces of the marble slabs forming 
the basin of the Spring. It had become 
changed, although the cork was tightly seal- 
ed. When opened for examination, a soft, 
clay-coloured mass, composed of films having 
a greasy appearance, mixed with some fila- 
mentous parts, was found. The odour it ex- 
haled was insupportable ; it blackened metals, 
and when agitated with water, rendered it 
viscid. With a solution of carbonate of soda 
it formed a frothy solution, which while cold 
had the appearance of a solution of soap, and 
when heated disengaged some ammoniacal 
vapours, and formed a solution of all except- 
ing some earthy and filamentous parts. This 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 205 

substance contains the same compound of 
sulphur and organic matter as that found dis- 
solved in the water of the Spring. I sepa- 
rated from the water the peculiar matter it 
contains, in the form of films, and compared 
these with those obtained from a soda solution 
of the altered " red deposit/' by the aid of 
re-agents, and they proved to be identical. 
From the examination of this altered matter, 
I have formed the conclusion, that the red 
colour of the matter which covers the slabs is 
that of a moss or lichen, which finds its habi- 
tat in the viscid covering produced by the 
deposition of the sulphur compound. 

My early attempts to illustrate this point 
failed. The substance separated from the 
water, by uniting it to oxide of copper, and 
afterwards destroying the union by hydro- 
sulp. acid, would become after a few days cov- 
ered with vegetation of mosses, unlike those 
described as occurring at the Spring, I was led 
to the conclusion that the spores or seeds of 
the peculiar " red moss" did not exist in the 
atmosphere of this place and must be found in 
the products of warmer climates. After seve- 
ral trials, I succeeded by treating rice, with a 
18 



206 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

hot dilute solution of carbonate of soda, in 
obtaining a red coloured moss vegetation, 
which could be transferred to the decomposing 
compound on which it flourished. In its 
union with oxide of copper, no tendency to 
decay, or the production of vegetation was ob- 
served, under the most favourable circum- 
stances ; but when after separation, decompo- 
sition and decay had progressed, vegetation 
appeared. I need not ask, if a substance pos- 
sessing vitality, can be combined with oxide of 
copper and afterwards eliminated by t^dro. 
sulp. acid and retain its vital powers ? 

A small specimen of the mud and slime, 
which appears where the water from the 
Spring flows, was received. It was a black, 
tenacious mud, exhaling an odour of hydro- 
sulphuric acid, mixed with that from earth. 
The colour is due to the sulphuret of iron, 
formed by the action of the hydrosulphuric 
acid on the ferruginous matters contained in 
the soil, which is a product of a further de- 
compostion of the sulphur compound con- 
tained in the water. It forms brown coloured 
solutions and imperfect salts ; its sulphur ele- 
ment is retained ; in other respects, it resem- 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 207 

bles the brown extracts from soils, or the hu- 
mus and apocrenic acids of Berzelius. 

Having studied the chemical characters of 
the sulphur compound imperfectly, I give only 
those reactions in the following description, 
which will serve to show its want of identity 
with any of the various substances which 
have been found in thermal waters, and in 
some European hepatic waters. 

Chemical character of the Sulphur 
Compound. 

I. When separated from a solution by eva- 
poration, or by drying from a gelatinous state, 
it forms greasy films, which do not darken 
solutions of lead or copper. 

II. In pure water they slowly dissolve, and 
the solution gives salts of the compound, with 
the bases. 

III. Solution of carbonate of soda dissolves 
them, and a fluid results which froths by agi- 
tation. 

IV. In caustic solutions of alkalies, the films 
dissolve, and the solutions are slightly yellow 
coloured. These solutions have the peculiar 
odour of soap-leys. They do not blacken 



208 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

metals, nor colour metallic solutions. Acids 
decompose the solutions, and the sulphur com- 
pound separates in the form of a bulky jelly- 
generally ; some oxyacids giving flocks. 

V. Nitric acid dissolves the films, and the 
salts of baryta and lead do not indicate the 
presence of sulphuric acid. On heating the 
acid solution, a yellow matter separates, which 
resembles that produced by acting on azotized 
bodies by this agent; sulphuric acid is thus 
produced, and the yellow precipitate requires 
a large proportion of nitric acid for its com- 
plete oxidation. The result of this action is 
an acid which gives a deep yellow colour, with 
ammonia in excess. 

VI. Chlorine in muriatic acid separates from 
the sulphur compound some white flakes, 
which are finally oxidized, and a colourless 
solution formed, in which sulphuric acid exists. 

VII. Alcohol did not dissolve the com- 
pound. 

Chemical experiments do not show the me- 
dicinal properties of the substances operated 
on. But when a substance, the result of del- 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 209 

icately balanced affinities, gives in its decom- 
position an agent of powerful action on the 
animal system, we may conclude that it is an 
active ingredient, if found in a water possess- 
ed of high curative powers. I am disposed^ 
therefore, to consider the sulphur compound 
in this water as the principal medicinal agent 
contained in it ; although its action in com- 
bination with the other constituents may be 
necessary to produce the effects for which this 
water is so justly celebrated. 

The following results give in one view the 
composition of this water. 

Gaseous contents of a gallon, or 231 cubic 
inches of the Red Sulphur Spring water : 



Carbonic acid, 


5-750 


Nitrogen, 


6-916 


Oxygen, 


1-201 


Hydro-sulphuric acid, 


0-397 




14.264 



50,000 grs. (nearly seven pints) of this wa- 
ter contain dissolved as gases, (grain measure), 
Carbonic acid, 1245 water 

81* 



210 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



Nitrogen, 


1497 


Oxygen, 


260 


Hydro-sulp. acid, 


86 




3088 



grain measures of gases. 

50,000 grs. of this water afford of 
Silicious and earthy matter, 0*70 
Sulphate of soda, 3*55 

Sulphate of lime, -47 

Carbonate of lime, 4*50 

Carbonate of magnesia, 4*13 

Sulphur compound, 7*20 

Carbonic acid, 2*71 

23-26 

Note. — The carbonic acid which is given 
with the saline matter, being all which the 
water contains, includes that which is given 
off as gas by ebullition. 

Augustus A. Hayes. 

Roxbury Laboratory, Jan. 14, 1842. 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 211 

By request of Mr. Hayes, we have ordered 
a large supply of the " Sulphur Compound" 
to be sent him for further experiments. We 
shall publish the result in some form when 
obtained ; meantime we think it will be con- 
ceded that the analysis and explanations given 
above are perfectly satisfactory, and place the 
claims of the Red Sulphur as a peculiar wa- 
ter on impregnable grounds. Here we have 
not only results, but the whole process by 
which they were obtained. There is no mys- 
tification ; but at every step of the experi- 
ment the reader is instructed and interested. 
We would especially invite his attention to 
the curious substance in which Mr. Hayes 
supposes the virtues of the water mainly to 
consist. 

On this head he makes the following im- 
portant remark. " I believe no trace of un- 
combined sulphur can be found in it, in its 
fresh state, and when I fermented it, hydro- 
sulp. acid was the form it appeared in. I deem 
this a very important distinction in a medical 
point of view, and incline to the opinion that 
all the sulphur in this compound is in a state 
fitted to be absorbed into the animal system, 



212 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

as no other known solution or powder of 
sulphur is, excepting perhaps hydro-sulph. 
acid." 

The introduction of this bland substance in 
a fluid condition into the system must exert a 
great influence on the circulation, and conse- 
quently on the mucous surfaces that are in a 
morbid condition ; and when we consider 
that the greater portion of the fluids taken 
into the stomach is directly conveyed into the 
circulation by the absorbents, we can at once 
perceive that the great hygeienic power of 
this water is dependent on the characteristics 
enumerated, all of which combined act as a 
singular alterative in equalizing an excited 
circulation, in correcting the highly acrid and 
vitiated secretions of an irritated mucous mem- 
brane, by modifying the fluid that supplies 
the matter for that secretion ; and that by 
sending to the heart and lungs also a diluted 
instead of a highly concentrated supply of 
blood, it calms those organs by producing in 
the latter a condition favourable to the proper 
performance of their function of oxygenation, 
and by soothing the irritation of the former, 
causing it to send forth its stream with a 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 213 

milder impetus, and, moreover, by diffusing 
more equally the capillary circulation, and in 
return obtaining not only a more moderate, 
but a more healthy supply. 

Suppose then an irritated feverish condition 
of the mucous membrane of the bronchi or 
alimentary canal to exist when this water is 
taken into the stomach, it is refrigerant, 
bland, pure, yet abounding in subtle and in- 
visible power : what is its probable mode of 
action ? Why, reasoning from analogy, we 
must conclude that its first impression is on 
the nervous expansion with which it comes in 
contact : this sends the pleasurable sensation to 
the brain ; this urges into activity the absor- 
bents ; these convey the tranquillizing influ- 
ence to the circulation ; and this influence is 
again returned to the modification of the irri 
tated surfaces. The external capillary cir- 
culation is restored to its rightful balance ; 
the skin and the kidneys perform their ap- 
propriate functions ; in a word, the normal 
condition is restored, and all is smooth and 
calm as the unruffled ocean. 

But if, on the contrary, a hard, harsh wa- 
ter, loaded with saline ingredients, comes in 



214 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

contact with a surface in the condition sup- 
pose^ — what may reasonably be expected ? 
Why, evidently that the nerves will be dis- 
tressed, the circulation still further depraved, 
the heart excited to unnatural action, the ir- 
ritated surface still further engorged, the ar- 
terial action increased, respiration hurried, 
and all the functions of the external and in- 
ternal organs abnormally performed. 

" Through pervious earth the filter' d surges pass, 
Rise in sweet springs and lave the freshened grass ; 
While their smooth seeds an easy passage find, 
Lodged in the pores, the rough are left behind." 

The process of filtration described by 
Lucretius gives us a good idea of that effected 
by the organs of secretion of the human sys- 
tem. It is not probable that the absorbents 
of the stomach have the power of discrimi- 
nating between one fluid and another ; hence 
it is that, whether pure water or alcohol is 
presented to its surface, it is thrown into the 
circulation ; but not so with the kidneys or 
skin, or mucous surfaces ; they probably resist 
the obnoxious article, for a while, but when 
again and again presented, it overpowers 
their energies, and first, abnormal functions, 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 215 

and next, organic lesion, is the consequence. 
It will readily be seen, then, in chronic affec- 
tions of the organs of respiration and of the 
abdominal viscera, if these affections amount 
to irritation or subacute inflammation, that 
the Red Sulphur alone, of the Sulphur waters, 
is admissible. 

From this comparative view of the action 
of those differently composed sulphur waters 
some valuable instruction may be derived, 
and we hope will not be altogether overlook- 
ed by invalids. It may afford a hint too in 
the selection of our food, for nothing is more 
preposterous than to take a minute portion of 
medicine to effect a certain object, and while 
under its influence to fill the stomach with 
substances altogether incompatible with it. 
What would be said of a physician who 
would use the lancet to subdue inflammation, 
and at the same time administer brandy ? 



CHAPTER XIII. 

We think that a candid review of the ana- 
lysis of the Red Sulphur and of our remarks 
on its action, founded on a long observation 
and experience, will lead every unbiassed 
mind to conclude that the claims of this wa- 
ter as a curative agent are well founded ; but 
we do not mean to rest our case here ; we can 
prove beyond a doubt that this water exerts 
an influence over the circulation that no 
other agent has been known to exert. # The 
evidences which we have received of this fact 
in the course of our nine years of ownership, 
would fill a large volume ; but we will con- 
tent ourselves with publishing a few recent 
cases in addition to those given by the late 
Dr. Huntt in his pamphlet on this Spring. 
Few persons were better qualified than that 
lamented physician to make observations on 
a mineral water. His perception was clear, 
his observation acute, his discrimination ac- 
curate, his judgment sound, and his integrity 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 217 

incorruptible ; and after witnessing with his 
own eyes the effects of this water, and reflect- 
ing well and long* on what he was about to 
assert, he pays it the following compliment : 

" The Red Sulphur is decidedly sedative 
in its effects. It subdues chronic inflamma- 
tion, tranquillizes irritation, and reduces the 
frequency of the pulse in the most astonishing 
manner. It has been considered peculiarly 
adapted to the cure of pulmonary diseases, 
and it is true that it has a most beneficial 
effect in most cases of this disease ; but its 
good effects equally extend to all cases of 
subacute inflammation, whether seated in the 
stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, 
bladder, and most particularly in the mucous 
membrane. In fact, nature never yet gave 
to man a remedy capable of more extensive 
application, nor better calculated to relieve 
a larger class of diseases" 

Such was the testimony of that eminent 
physician, from personal observation, prompt- 
ed too by no partiality towards the proprietor, 
to whom he was an entire stranger ; but 
purely by a desire to benefit society. Will it 
be objected, as we are informed it has been 
19 



218 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

objected, that he subsequently died of the dis- 
ease for the cure of which he had so highly- 
eulogized this water ? Surely every medical 
man ought to know that where there is a pre- 
disposition to disease of any organ, an actual 
lesion of that organ, though cured, increases 
that predisposition, and that it is expecting too 
much of a medicine, not only to cure the ex- 
isting disease, but to secure the organ from 
any future recurrence of that disease. 

A man with a chronic affection of the bron- 
chi or parenchymatous structure of the lungs, 
is to go to the Red Sulphur and drink the 
water for 15 or 20 days, and the attack is re- 
lieved, and he is restored to apparently per- 
fect health ; but this does not suffice, he must 
not only be healed, but he must be protected 
to all future time, not only from the conse- 
quences of predisposition, but from the effects 
of imprudent habits of life, exposure, or other 
source of attack. It is just about as reasona- 
ble to expect this, as that, being upset in a 
coach and having a limb fractured, should 
secure a man from being upset a second time 
and having his neck broken. We can have 
patience with such remarks when coming 



RED SULPHUR SPRING WATER. 219 

from ordinary men, but when a learned phy- 
sician puts forth such opinions as arguments 
for his scepticism, we are forced to infer that 
he has permitted prejudice to cloud his judg- 
ment. - 

As we are writing this book for the benefit 
of the uninitiated in the mysteries of the pro- 
fession, we have thought it might be expected 
of us to say something on the diognosis, and 
treatment of consumption and other diseases, 
for the relief of which we recommend the 
Red Sulphur water. 

Of the means of distinguishing affections of 
the lungs by immediate or mediate consulta- 
tion or percussion, we will not speak : in the 
first place, because we do not feel competent 
to give any instruction in the premises, and 
in the next place, because no one but a pro- 
fessional man who has devoted much atten- 
tion to these methods can obtain any satis- 
factory result. 

The symptoms of acute or rapid phthisis 
are, according to Doct. Williams, in the first 
stage, induration and obstruction. The 
indurations are generally accompanied by 
various irritations, both local and general. 



220 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Of the local irritations the earliest is a eouo*h, 
at first slight, but more or less constant. It is 
either dry or accompanied by thin transpa- 
rent expectorations. Another sign of irrita- 
tion is pain in the chest, a stitch, soreness or 
sensibility to cold or exertion more than pain. 
Of the more general irritations, quickness of 
pulse is most constant, — the quickness not uni- 
form at first, but dependent upon any acci- 
dental excitement. As the organic lesion 
increases, it becomes more constant, and is 
accompanied by a general febrile state. This 
febrile condition is aggravated towards night, 
when the fulness and frequency of the pulse 
increase, attended with flushing of the face, 
heat of the palms of the hand, and the soles 
of the feet. This terminates by perspiration 
more or less profuse, which, occurring in the 
night, leaves the pulse lowered, but the frame 
weakened and exhausted in the morning. 
The symptoms of obstructions comprehend 
those from obstructions to the passage of the 
air, to that of the blood, and to the motions of 
the lungs in respiration. 

The indurations by obstructing the pas- 
sage of air to the air-cells cause shortness of 



PHTHISIS. 221 

breath. Partial indurations sometimes cause 
shortness of breath, not only by their impedi- 
ment, but also by occasioning dilatation of the 
air-cells. Indurations by obstructing the blood 
vessels may cause sanguineous congestion, 
hemorrhage, inflammation, oedema, gangrene, 
atrophy of the pulmonary texture, haemopty- 
sis, profuse bronchial secretion, effusion into 
pleura, disease of the heart, &c. 

Hcemoptysis occurring in the early stages 
of phthisis is generally from this cause ; and 
it is a serious symptom, not only because it 
may endanger life by loss of blood or direct 
suffocation, but also because it is often accom- 
panied by hemorrhagic consolidation and rup- 
ture of the lung, which tend to accelerate the 
process and promote the further deposition of 
tubercle. In some instances, however, hae- 
moptysis is followed by decided relief to the 
dyspnoea and cough, having removed a con- 
gested state of the blood-vessels. How true 
are the following remarks of the same author : 
" When once the integrity of a nicely ad- 
justed apparatus like that of respiration is 
extensively injured^ disorder begets disorder , 
and unless the counteracting or respiratory 
19* 



222 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

powers soon come into operation, unless the 
indurations are soon diminished or the 
blood-vessels closed, the ivhole of that part 
of the lung may become a solid mass." 

Second Stage. — On the conversion of the 
gray or dark red indurations into the crude 
yellow tubercle, and during the original de- 
position of this matter, besides the symptoms 
of irritation and obstruction, which still con- 
tinue, there are indications of loss of flesh 
and strength, and a general depression of the 
functions. The pulse loses strength although 
it is as frequent as before ; the evening chills 
are more severe ; the sweats are more profuse. 

Third Stage. — The more truly consump- 
tive symptoms which had begun to manifest 
themselves in the second stage, are developed 
fully when the tubercles become soft, par- 
tially or entirely liquid, and are evacuated by 
the aid of secretion and ulceration of the ad- 
joining textures. Then comes on in addition 
to the symptoms before described, a copious 
and heterogeneous expectoration of pus, mu- 
cus, softened and occasionally solid tubercle, 
blood, shreds of lymph, and, not rarely, por- 
tions of pulmonary tissue in a sloughy fetid 



PHTHISIS. 223 

state. Then occur the usual constitutional 
concomitants of extensive unhealthy, suppu- 
rating ulcers, confirmed hectic, with its suc- 
cessive chills, heats and sweating, occasionally 
diarrhoea and the increasing marasmus in 
this case rendered more pronounced, by the 
importance of the organ affected and the re- 
lation which it bears to the process of sangui- 
fication. Then are the dyspnoea and cough 
increased by the continual discharge of matter 
into the air-passages, and by the extension of 
the diseased depositions and ulcerations of 
the tissue." 

To the preceding extracts of Dr. Williams, 
a portion of which we have somewhat con- 
densed, much may be added, but it would 
answer no good purpose to dwell with mi- 
nuteness on this part of our subject ; we will 
therefore hasten to the treatment of the dis- 
ease, so far as it may be connected with the 
agent which we have now under considera- 
tion. 

At the threshold, we have to encounter the 
objection that tubercular consumption is in- 
curable. On this subject we ask attention to 
the following extract of a letter from Dr. 



224 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Thomas D. Mutter, of Philadelphia. The 
history of the letter is this. He was informed 
by a friend that he was reported to have spoken 
disparagingly of the Red Sulphur, and, deny- 
ing the charge, he wrote to us a letter, dated 
Philadelphia, Nov. 9th, 1841, from which we 
extract the following paragraph : 

" I have said to many, as I would say to 
you or your son, or any well-informed phy- 
sician, that the Red Sulphur never yet cured 
a case of tubercular consumption, and you 
know as well as I do that such is the fact, for 
there is no cure for this disease ; but I have 
always said, both privately and publickly, 
that the Red Sulphur was a most valuable 
water in many cases resembling consump- 
tion, and that I had seen many such cases 
perfectly cured by the use of this water, when 
all other agents had failed to afford relief. 
Not only have I said this, but I have sent you 
many a patient, and hope to send you many 
more. Very truly, your friend 

and well-wisher, 
Thos. D. Mutter." 

The above extract is of great interest, be- 
cause it virtually admits all that the advocates 



PHTHISIS. 225 

of the Red Sulphur contend for. viz.. -that it 
has cured cases resembling consumption, 
when all other agents had failed to afford 
relief'- Now this is praise enough, and we 
might rest the fame of the Red Sulphur on 
such admission, coming from such a source : 
but with all deference for the distinguished 
talents and great experience of that gentle- 
man, we would suggest that his opinion of 
the incurability of consumption is too sweep- 
ing. We think we are fully impressed with 
the intractable character of the disease in its 
worst forms, and if our friend. Dr. 3-L. meant 
to limit his assertion to these, there can be no 
difference of opinion on the subject : but if he 
means to assert, as his lancruaofe seems to inti- 
mate, that tubercular phthisis is altogether in- 
curable, we must respectfully dissent from his 
opinion, and offer some of the reasons why 
we do so. 

In the first place, we ask how has this emi- 
nent physician discovered that the cases of 
cure he had witnessed only " resembled" con- 
sumption ? We imagine this discovery can 
only be satisfactorily made by a post-mortem 
examination. Has he made this examina- 



226 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

tion ? It is not probable that he had the oppor- 
tunity, for the cure is declared perfect, and if 
he did not, how can be certain that his opi- 
nion is correct ? We are aware that Aven- 
brugger and Laennec have shed a flood of 
light on the diagnosis of disease of the chest ; 
but the latter makes the following admission, 
which proves that cicatrices may exist with- 
out being discovered by auscultation. "These 
cicatrizations, especially when complete, and 
composed of a substance analogous to other 
natural tissues, produce no symptoms what- 
ever that can denote their existence. I have 
only remarked in some cases, when there was 
reason to believe their existence, that the 
respiration was less distinctly audible in the 
supposed diseased point." 

We shall notice this disease only under 
two heads—Acute and Chronic. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Acute, or "galloping consumption," as it 
is frequently called, usually runs its course 
in from two to nine months, and is wholly un- 
manageable, and when it fastens on its un- 
happy victim, there is no alternative but to 
submit to the decree of that great Being in 
whose hands are the issues of life and death. 
It is usually the effect of hereditary taint, 
roused into morbid action by imperfect nutri- 
tion, bad air, exposure, disappointed affection, 
reverse of fortune, fevers, uterine derange- 
ments, and various other causes. The symp- 
toms of this condition have already been enu- 
merated. It is one before which the system 
falls prostrate, and in which we can do nothing 
but smooth, as we may by kind and delicate 
attentions, the passage of our friend to a 
brighter and better existence. But the chronic 
form of this disease is happily more under the 
control of remedies, and therefore should be 



228 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

exempted by Dr. Mutter from the unqualified 
assertion he has made in the letter above 
quoted. 

As in all diseases there are different grades 
of intensity, so in tubercular consumption 
there are grades — 1st, of predisposition ; 2d, 
of tubercular infiltration or deposition ; 3d, of 
^development ; 4th, of ulceration ; 5th, of ma 
Erasmus ; and lastly, there are grades of the 
power of resistance in different constitutions. 
This being the case, it is manifest the chances 
for recovery, perfect or partial, or of a fatal 
result, are in proportion to such grades. Now 
all modern writers agree that cases of recovery 
are frequent from slight attacks in the latter 
or suppurative stage. 

The great Laennec makes the following 
remarks : " But while I admit the incurabili- 
ty of consumption in the early stages, I am 
convinced, from a great number of facts, that 
in some rare cases the disease is curable in 
the latter stages, that is, after the softening of 
the tubercles and the formation of an ulcerous 
excavation." Again, " I have at present under 
my care several patients affected with chronic 
catarrh, and who afford distinctly the sign of 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 229 

pectoriloquism, although they have in no other 
respect any symptom of consumption. I have 
met with several other cases, wherein this 
phenomenon was observable along with a 
slight habitual cough, very little expectora- 
tion, and scarcely any marked alteration in 
the general health. 

" In a lady, formerly a patient of Mr. Bayle, 
eight years since, and whose case was decid- 
edly consumption, (as appears from Mr. Bayle's 
notes in her possession,) the sign of pectorilo- 
quism is most distinct. This lady recovered 
beyond all expectation ; she is now stout ; and 
the only symptom she has at all referable to 
the lungs is a slight cough. I have no doubt 
the cartilaginous excavations exist in this 
person's lungs." 

M. Laennec then gives several cases illus- 
trative of what he has advanced, from which 
it appears fully that recovery is not only not 
impossible, but not unfrequent. Again, " I 
have often observed the above state of things 
without knowing to what to attribute it, and 
without attaching much importance to the ap- 
pearance ; but after Iivas convinced of the 
possibility of cure in the case of ulcerations 
20 



230 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

of the lungs, I began to fancy that nature 
might have more ways than one of accom- 
plishing this end, and that, in certain cases, 
the excavations, after the discharge of their 
contents by expectoration or absorption, might 
cicatrize in the same manner as solutions of 
continuity in other organs, without the pre- 
vious formation of the demi-cartilaginous 
membrane. In consequence of this idea, I 
examined these productions more closely, and 
came to the conclusion, that in every case 
they might be considered as cicatrices, and 
that in many cases they could hardly be con- 
ceived to be any thing else." Again, " In 
tracing the bronchial tubes near these masses, 
I have observed that such as held a direc- 
tion towards them were commonly dilated. 
In some cases I have been able to trace them, 
as also blood-vessels, into the fibro-cartilagi- 
nous mass, with which, although obliterated, 
they formed but one substance. This fact 
seems to me to leave no doubt of the nature 
of these productions, and of the jiossibility of 
cicatrization in ulcers of the lungsP 

These observations are followed by two re- 
markable cases, which our limits forbid us 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE? 231 

from quoting, and the author continues his 
remarks as follows : 

" The foregoing observations prove, I think, 
that tubercles in the lungs are not in every 
case a necessary and inevitable cause of death : 
and that a cure may take place in two differ- 
ent ways, after the formation of an ulcerous 
excavation : first, by the cavity becoming in- 
vested by a new membrane ; and secondly, 
by the obliteration of the excavation by means 
of a cicatrix, more or less complete, consisting 
of cellular, fibrous, or cartilaginous substance.' 3 
Again, " When we consider that the formation 
of tubercles in the lungs seems to be the con- 
sea uence of a general diathesis ; that these 
are frequently formed contemporaneously in 
the intestines, where they ultimately occasion 
ulceration and colliquative diarrhoea ; and 
that, in some cases also, they exist in the 
lymphatic glands, the prostate, the muscles, 
bones, &c, we must be led to believe that the 
most perfect cure that can take place in con- 
sumption is merely temporary. 

" Admitting, however, the justness of this 
conclusion, in those extreme cases of tuber- 
cular diathesis, (which after all are but rare } 



232 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

when compared with the vast number of con- 
sumptions.) we are still entitled to hope for 
the cure of many cases of phthisis, or, at least, 
for such a suspension of their symptoms as 
may be $eemed almost equal to a cure, since 
the individuals may enjoy such a state of 
health as may enable them to fulfil all the 
duties of civil life for several years, or until 
such time as a fresh development of tubercles, 
at present immature, produces a fresh and 
final seizure." 

Dr. Williams, in his dissertation on pulmo- 
nary consumption, says — " Tuberculous con- 
sumption is in its ordinary career a chronic 
disease ; but the cases that particularly de- 
serve this title are those in which the disease 
lasts for many years. Bayle and Laennec 
record instances in which patients appear 
to have had the disease thirty and forty 
years. But it is not to be supposed that in 
chronic cases the disease is always progressive. 
It owes its long duration to its limited extent, 
and although the lungs are never free from 
some of the lesions described as characteristic 
of phthisis, yet the continuance of the disease 
is chiefly marked by many successive attacks 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 233 

and recoveries, dependent on the particular 
development of new tubercles, and their suc- 
cessive changes and elimination. As the rapid 
form of the disease occurs chiefly in young 
subjects, so this in most instances is met with 
at or after middle age ; but it is by no means 
confined to any period of life. 

" It is this chronic or limited form of tu- 
bercular disease that affords the best chance 
for the remedial poicers of nature and art ; 
and there can be but little doubt that a con- 
siderable number of cases are cured. On 
this paragraph the American editor, Dr. W. 
W. Gerhard, adds the following note : 'There 
is no doubt many such cases recover ; cica- 
trices or calcareous tubercles remain often in 
healthy persons.'" We might proceed to 
quote a great number of other authorities on 
this subject ; but we think that we have al- 
ready demonstrated that the opinion expressed 
by Dr. M. on the incurability of this disease 
is untenable. 

Now, while we think that we have proven 

that the disease is not necessarily incurable in 

all cases, we trust it will not be inferred that 

we hold forth delusive hopes to any poor in- 
20* 



234 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

valid who may place reliance in our opinion. 
We seek not to deceive a human beingin this 
matter. We candidly acknowledge that there 
are annually many persons presenting them- 
selves at the Red Sulphur, that are not, and 
cannot be benefitted, and whom, if we could 
have seen them before they left the comforts 
of home, and the kind attentions of friends ; 
we would have advised against the journey ; 
— but again, we do say, that if there be a hope 
left, it is in the water of the Red Sulphur. 

We agree altogether with the opinion of 
Laennec, that it is in the suppurative stage 
alone that a cure may be looked for. It is 
evident that if the tubercle be quiescent, there 
is no inconvenience from it ; when it has be- 
gun to soften, it progresses in spite of all 
remedies, and in slight cases, the sooner the 
better. When it is ripe, and in a condition 
for absorption, or finds its way into the bron- 
chus, then is the period for the action of the 
Red Sulphur. It allays the general febrile 
condition of the system, without impairing 
the quality of the nutritive fluid, distributes 
the latter more equally amongst the different 
tissues and organs, and not only places the 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 235 

lungs in the best condition to shake off the 
existing disease, but also prevents the deposi- 
tion of other tubercles. If, while the tubercu- 
lous matter is discharging, the condition of 
the blood can be improved, so as no longer to 
form a degraded deposit, and the general 
powers of the system invigorated ; if, more 
over, we can find a remedy that will reduce 
the hurried action of the heart and arteries, 
without having recourse to depletion ; that 
will calm the system, whilst it imparts tone 
and energy to it ; that will restore to the kid- 
neys their true share in the excretions, and 
prevent extenuation of the body by colliqua- 
tive perspiration : then we may hope that we 
have found an agent that will enable the vital 
powers to resist and shake off the existing dis- 
ease, and in a great degree remove the ten- 
dency to degeneration. Such an agent is the 
Red Sulphur, 

The great principle upon which the Red 
Sulphur acts is the sedative principle. From 
whatever elements this principle has been 
imparted to it, it is manifest that it is the great 
lever by which it operates. Is it now denied 
that it possesses this power ? Some few, who 



236 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

are so constituted that they will resist any 
evidence, have expressed their scepticism ; 
but they would not believe though one were 
to rise from the dead. To essay to convince 
such were a fruitless task, but we think the 
evidence is now, at least, too strong to be re- 
jected by any one who is open to conviction. 
In the pamphlet published by Dr. Huntt on 
this Spring, and which we adopt as part of 
our essay, there is evidence enough to satisfy 
any reasonable person of this and other quali- 
ties of the water ; but we can furnish other 
and more recent evidence, and from a source 
that must command universal confidence. 
The letter which we subjoin was written to 
us by Dr. Scott, of Lexington, Kentucky. 
His motive is explained by himself. The 
reader will perceive that it bears the impress 
of truth, and is written for no other object 
than to do justice to the water, and to benefit 
the community. He had previously visited 
all the other Springs ; first the Blue Sulphur, 
next the White, then the Hot and Warm, at 
the last of which we think he was seized with 
hemorrhage. He next visited the Sweet 
Springs and the Salt Sulphur, and finally 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 237 

found his way to the Red. Here. then, is a 
proof beyond cavil, that the waters of all ttiose 
Springs except the last were, if not actually 
injurious; certainly not attended with any re- 
lief : but the result of his experience in this 
equally demonstrates that he had finally found 
the appropriate remedy. 

The distinguished reputation of this gen- 
tleman as a physician, and his great moral 
worth, entitle his testimony to all confidence. 

•■ Blue Sulphur Springs. Ta.. 

Sept. 3d. 1841. 

" Mr. Burke : 

: - Dear Sir. — On my way to toys place, at a 
public house where we stopped to dine. I 
picked up a newspaper, the Western Whig, 
dated 14th August (last month), in which I 
find there had been a committee formed to 
take into consideration a report prevailing 
prejudicial to the curative qualities of the 
Mineral Waters at the Red Sulphur Springs. 
fee., which report was proven to be false 
id committee, as well as by a number of 
certificates signed by gentlemen of high repu- 
tation and intelligence. 

" My object in now addressing you is a 



238 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

double one, first to thank you for the very- 
kind attentions of yourself and family while 
we remained at your romantic and beautifully 
secluded village, and add my mite to show 
that the waters of the Red Sulphur have not 
lost any of their medicinal and positively good 
effects in cases such as my own, viz., a vica- 
rious discharge of blood from the lungs of 
nearly two years standing. 

" I arrived at your establishment on the 23d 
or 24th of last month, with but little faith in 
the efficacy of the waters, yet was determined 
to give them a fair and impartial trial, divest- 
ing myself as much as possible from pre- 
conceived opinions and impressions derived 
from many reports for and against their me- 
dicinal qualities. First day, drank nine half- 
pint tumblers of the water in the course of 
the day, at different periods, and as it is usu- 
ally directed to be drank. Second day, twelve, 
and third day sixteen tumblers full, which 
last number I continued to take five more suc- 
cessive days. First and second days, they 
(the waters) operated profusely as a diuretic ; 
third day, very delightfully also on my skin 
as a diaphoretic, preserving my bowels in a 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE? 239 

healthy state ; on the fifth day, had copious 
bilious evacuations, as much as I ever expe- 
rienced from an active portion of calomel. 

" At the commencement, and for three 
months previous, my pulse had been not less 
than 100 and 110 distinct pulsations in every 
minute, that is. 100 beats in the morning, and 
110 in the afternoon and evening, attended 
with occasional cough and hemorrhage from 
my lungs. Using the Red Sulphur waters 
as above stated, my pulse was gradually less- 
ened in strength and quickness, on the third 
day. to 70 beats in the morning, and SO and 
S4 in the evening, at which it (the pulse) con- 
tinued regularly, without the variation of a 
single pulsation, during the five more days I 
remained with you. I used the waters eight 
successive days only, and I do assure you. sir, 
that my health has not been at any time in 
the last two years so perfectly sfood. and free 
from all uncomfortable feelings. 

" My statements cannot be any advantage 
to you amongst strangers to me, but I humbly 
hope they will be relied on by my friends and 
acquaintances in the West and North- Wes§ : 
where I have been known extensively as a 



240 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

practitioner of medicine for very near forty 
years. I am, dear sir, 

Very respectfully yours, 

Joseph Scott." 

We subjoin, also, a letter \^e have received 
from Daniel Gold, Esq., of Washington, which 
is of great interest, on account of the low con- 
dition of Mr. Gold's health when he reached 
the Springs. This case also exhibits an im- 
portant case of arterial excitement, and we 
think should satisfy any reasonable person of 
the value of the water in pulmonary affec- 
tions. 

"Washington City, Nov. 16th, 1841. 

"My dear sir, — I have purposely delayed 
advising you of the state of my health since 
my return to this city. The change which 
came over me while under the operation of 
the Red Sulphur water was so sudden, and so 
great, that I confess I doubted whether the 
good effects would be permanent. It is now 
upwards of two months since I left the Red 
Sulphur Spring, and I am happy to be able 
to assure you that my health is even better 
than when I left you. My cough and expec- 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 241 

toration, which was confined almost entirely 
to the morning when I returned to this city, 
has now pretty much subsided, and my lungs 
are evidently stronger than they were then. 
I have, moreover, gained some two or three 
pounds in weight since I returned. 

: -I started for the Red Sulphur with very 
little faith in the virtue of the water, and the 
little I had was destroyed before I arrived 
there, by reports which I had heard injurious 
to its character. It was represented as being 
situated in a cold and foggy place, and to 
have lost all its healing qualities in conse- 
quence of a vein of common water having re- 
cently found its way into the Spring- All 
who went thither with lung complaints were 
said to die there, or to go away past recovery. 
The road, also, between the White Sulphur 
and the Red was spoken of, and 1. with others, 
was occasionally entertained with accounts 
of frequent stage accidents which happened 
thereon, not un frequently attended with 
broken legs and broken heads, &c, &c. 

" Those things, however, were mentioned, 
not as if to deter any one from going to the 
Red Sulphur, but merely for information as 
21 



242 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

to what those might look out for who were 
hardy enough to venture beyond the White, 
and particularly beyond the Salt. I went 
there because my physician, Dr. Miller, of this 
city, a gentleman eminent in the medical pro- 
fession, directed me to go ; and I was agree- 
ably disappointed in finding not only as good 
roads beyond the White Sulphur as I found 
this side, but the Red Sulphur Spring situated 
in a place, to my taste, infinitely more wild, 
beautiful, and agreeable, than that of either 
the other Virginia Springs, the Blue excepted, 
which I did not visit. During four weeks I 
spent at the Red, I gained thirteen pounds, 
and strength enough to climb any of your 
little Alleghanies except that one directly 
back of your hotel, which is so steep, you 
know, that it hangs over a little. All soreness 
about my lungs, which I felt in leaning for- 
ward, lying down, or inhaling a long respira- 
tion, and which had grown to be very un- 
pleasant, vanished entirely. A rattling, as of 
phlegm in my throat, but which probably was 
in my lungs, pretty much subsided ; and be- 
fore I left I could lie without inconvenience 
upon my right side, or the back of my right 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE ? 243 

shoulder, which I had not been able to do for 
many weeks before. 

u My cough was first occasioned by sleep- 
ing in damp sheets in the berth of a steam- 
boat at the North, on a chilly night about the 
last of August, 1840, and it had become very 
obstinate. I left here after the adjournment 
of Congress, that summer, worn out with the 
fatigue and hard labour always consequent 
upon the close of a session, poor in flesh, and 
poorer still in health. In short, altogether 
unfit for official duty, and undoubtedly far 
more liable to severe injury from such expo- 
sure than I otherwise should have been. 

< : The day after my unfortunate night's rest, 
I felt sorely afflicted, and soon my cough 
commenced. I thought it but the result of a 
bad cold, which I could easily brave out, and 
neglected that early attention to it which it 
required. Bat instead of getting rid of it, I 
was constantly taking little colds, and the 
consequence was, that I was unable to attend 
to business half of last winter. As spring 
opened I partially recovered, and for a few 
weeks I was nearly rid of the cough. Early 
in June last, warm as it was, I was so unfor- 



244 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

tunate as to take another cold, which brought 
on my cough again worse than ever. Soon 
after, indigestion, which had troubled me 
slightly during the latter part of the winter 
and spring, became very severe and destroyed 
my appetite ; and from that time I wasted ra- 
pidly. When I left here for the Red Sul- 
phur, I could hardly pull myself up into a 
stage-coach, I was so feeble ; and when I ar- 
rived there I weighed but 105 lbs. My pulse 
too was on an average above 90, and when I 
left it was below 70. 

u If I have the good fortune to escape a 
cold the coming winter, I have no doubt that 
I shall eventually enjoy as sound health as 
ever. Very truly, your friend, 

Danl. Gold. 
" To Mr. Wm. Burke." 

The following extract is from Hare's Che- 
mistry, an authority always entitled to confi- 
dence, but especially so when he speaks, as 
in this instance, from personal experience. 
He was a visiter at the Red Sulphur in 1832, 
when we purchased, and experienced in his 
own family the benefits of that water. 



IS CONSUMPTION CURABLE? 245 

u It has already been stated that water im- 
pregnated with sulphuric acid exists in many 
natural Springs, which are much frequented 
by invalids. The celebrated White Sulphur, 
Salt Sulphur, and Red Sulphur Springs of 
Virginia are of this nature. They appear 
particularly efficacious as remedies in cuta- 
neous diseases. 

" The Red Sulphur Springs are thought to 
be particularly useful in some pulmonary 
complaints, and have a surprising and un- 
accountable influence in lowering the fre- 
quency and force of the pulse" 

21* 



CHAPTER XV. 

(Dr. Huntt*)— In March, 1837, I was at- 
tacked with a slight hemorrhage from the 
lungs, attended with other symptoms indicat- 
ing a diseased state of those important organs. 
For a time I neglected to resort to medical 
treatment, and continued to pursue my pro- 
fessional labours until warned by my failing 
strength that the disease was gaining ground. 
By the application of the usual remedies the 
violence of the symptoms was soon subdued, 
and in a short time I felt myself sufficiently 
restored to resume my usual labours ; but 
with the exercise my wonted strength did not 
return ; the cough continued, with occasional 
pain in the chest, and an uneasy sensation of 
fulness about the liver, stomach, and spleen. 
These symptoms, after a time, were attended 

* " A Visit to the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia, du- 
ring the Summer of 1837 ; with Observations on the 
Waters. By Henry Huntt, M. D." 



DR. HUXTT OX THE RED SULPHUR. 247 

with increased cough, copious, morbid expec- 
toration, hectic chills, fever, and night sweats : 
my weight was reduced from 135 to 115 lbs. 
Such was my situation, when, about the 
middle of July, I left home for the Red Sul- 
phur Spring, in Virginia. On the third eve- 
ning I arrived at the Warm Spring, a distance 
of 230 miles from Washington, and immedi- 
ately after getting out of the stage I plunged 
into the delightful bath of that place, an im- 
prudence against which I would earnestly cau- 
tion all invalids, who arrive after a long jour- 
ney, with the system exhausted by fatigue. 
The consequences in my own case warrant 
me in pronouncing it to be fraught with great 
danger. While in the bath, its effects were 
very grateful and pleasant ; but shortly after 
leaving it. I became chillv. and this feeling 
was followed by a hot skin, intense headache, 
and pain in the chest. After breakfast the 
next morning, though still very unwell, I con- 
tinued my journey, and arrived before night 
at the White Sulphur Spring, where I remain- 
ed two days, drinking freely of the water, 
which seemed only to increase the cousfh and 
pain in the chest, and produce an aggravation 



248 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

of all the other symptoms. Leaving this 
place on the third morning, I passed Union at 
noon, dined at the Salt Sulphur, and before 
sunset arrived at this celebrated fountain, for 
the benefit of whose waters I had left home. 
The Red Sulphur Spring is situated in lati- 
tude 37° 37', in Monroe county, Virginia, 
about twenty miles south-west of Union, 
which is the seat of justice for the county. 
The approach to the village is beautifully ro- 
mantic and picturesque. Wending his way 
around a high mountain, the weary traveller 
is for a moment charmed out of his fatigue 
by the sudden view of his resting-place, some 
hundreds of feet immediately beneath him. 
Continuing the circuitous descent, he at length 
reaches a ravine, which conducts him, after a 
few rugged steps, to the entrance of a verdant 
glen, surrounded on all sides by lofty moun- 
tains. The south end of this enchanting vale, 
which is the widest portion of it, is about two 
hundred yards in width. Its course is nearly 
north for about one hundred and fifty yards, 
when it begins gradually to contract and 
change its direction to the north-west and 
west, until it terminates in a narrow point. 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 249 

This beautifully secluded Tempe is the chosen 
site of the village. The north-west portion is 
occupied by stables, carriage-houses, and shops 
of various sorts : the southern portion, just at 
the base of the east and west mountains, is that 
upon which stand the various edifices for the 
accommodation of visiters. These buildings 
are spacious, and conveniently arranged ; the 
servants are prompt and obedient ; and the 
" table d'hote" is abundantly supplied with a 
variety of viands that can tempt the appetite. 
The promenades, which are neatly enclosed 
by a white railing, are beautifully embellish- 
ed, and shaded from the midday sun by in- 
digenes of the forest, the large umbrageous 
sugar-maple {acer saccharinnm). The Spring 
is situated at the south-west point of the val- 
ley, and the water is collected into two white 
marble fountains, over which is thrown a sub- 
stantial cover. 

At the distance of a few hundred yards from 
the Red Sulphur Spring, up the south ravine, 
is another Spring, supposed to be a chalybeate 
of a singular character. My situation did 
not permit me to make a satisfactory exami- 
nation of its water, but I should be highly 



250 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

gratified to know the particular character of 
the water of this Spring. 

The forest trees of the eastern and western 
mountains have been cut down by Mr. Burke, 
the present worthy proprietor of the Spring, 
so that this delightful glen enjoys the purify- 
ing influence of the sun from 7 o'clock in the 
morning until near 5 in the afternoon, which 
makes the grounds much drier than they for- 
merly were, and less liable to morning fogs. 
Regular stages, or post-coaches, arrive here 
daily both from the north and south. It is 
but justice to the amiable and intelligent pro- 
prietor to say, that the improvements he has 
made within the short period of four years, 
since he has had the control, give assurance 
that, should he live a few years longer, the 
Red Sulphur Spring will not be excelled by 
any of the numerous places of resort among 
the salubrious mountains of the Old Do- 
minion, either in magnificence of scenery, 
beauty, taste, comfort, or health. 

On the evening of my arrival at the Spring, 
I commenced the use of its water. The next 
day, during a violent paroxysm of coughing, 
a coagulum of blood was discharged from the 






DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 251 

lungs, which was followed by considerable 
hemorrhage. After this, the cough became 
less troublesome, but the evening exacerba- 
tions of fever and the night sweats continued, 
ray pulse beating 115 strokes in a minute. I 
confined myself to a low diet, and drank six 
glasses of the water during the day, namely, 
two before breakfast, one at 11 a. m., one at 
5 p. m., and two at bed-time. The water 
acted freely on the bowels, and particularly 
on the secretions of the liver. In ten days, 
the abdominal viscera were entirely relieved, 
the pulse reduced to 78, and the fever and 
night sweats had ceased. The quantity of 
water was now increased to twelve glasses 
during the day, taken at the same hours, but 
in double doses. It acted very gently on the 
bowels and skin, but most powerfully as a 
diuretic. Thus it appears that in small quan- 
tities the water acted freely on the bowels, 
and but little on the kidneys, while in larger 
quantities it acted freely on the latter, and 
scarcely affected the former. In fact, I could 
direct its action to the one or the other at plea- 
sure, by increasing or diminishing the quantity. 
My cough became better, but my strength still 



252 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

continued feeble, owing to my extremely low 
diet, and the copious action of the water. Un- 
fortunately I took but little exercise, which I 
deem all-important while using the waters. 

After a residence of three weeks at the 
Spring, and the constant use of the water dur- 
ing that time, to the manifest alleviation of 
the most pressing symptoms of my complaint, 
I was unexpectedly called home, in conse- 
quence of the illness of a member of my fami- 
ly. In the commencement of my homeward 
journey, my weak state compelled me to make 
very short stages ; but as soon as I had cross- 
ed the mountains, and resumed my usual 
mode of diet, my appetite and strength re- 
turned rapidly, and I completed the distance 
of 306 miles in five days, without feeling the 
slightest inconvenience. The water seemed 
to produce its good effects in the improvement 
of my health for months after I had left the 
Spring. 

In a conversation with Mr. Harvey, a plain, 
honest, and sensible man, who was the former 
proprietor of the Red Sulphur Spring, I gather- 
ed the following facts, which I give in his own 
words. He stated "that he had lived at and 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 253 

about the place for upwards of forty-three 
years. The Spring was first visited by the 
neighbours for itch, sore legs, and other in- 
veterate diseases of the skin, which were al- 
ways cured by drinking, and rubbing the 
parts affected with the muddy deposit. About 
thirty-six years ago, Dr. John Cabell, of 
Lynchburg, Va., was the first person who 
visited the Spring for a cough, and disease of 
the throat, attended with chills and fevers. 
He remained here several weeks, and returned 
home much better. The next season, several 
other persons came, with cough, and every 
appearance of consumption. Afterwards, the 
number of visiters afflicted with this disease 
increased every year. There are many per- 
sons now living, within my knowledge, (said 
Mr. Harvey.) and enjoying excellent health, 
who visited this Spring many years ago, to 
all appearance in the last stage of consump- 
tion. The visiters who were the most bene- 
1 by the water, remained here five or six 
weeks, confined themselves to a diet of rye 
mush and milk, and were industrious in rising* 
early, drinking the water, and taking exercise. 
Others, who indulged themselves in eating r 
22 






254 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

sleeping late in the morning, and lounging 
about during the day, derived but little ad- 
vantage from the use of the water, and gene- 
rally returned home dissatisfied. The cold 
plunging, or shock bath, was used in those 
days with decided advantage. I never knew 
a case injured by the use of the cold bath. 
Many cases of dropsy visited the Spring, and 
I never knew an instance where they were 
not relieved by the use of the water. One of 
my neighbours was cured many years ago by 
the use of this water, and now enjoys excel- 
lent health. I have known many persons 
affected with complaints of the liver and 
bowels completely relieved by the Red Sul- 
phur water. From the 1st of May to the 
middle of November, is the proper time for 
using the water to advantage, but I think it is 
strongest in its various virtues during- the 
months of September and October." 

The following was presented to me by Dr. 
Saunders, the resident physician, as an ana- 
lysis of the Red Sulphur water, made at the 
Spring by Professor Rogers, the Geologist of 
Virginia ; but it certainly does not satisfac- 
torily account for the wonderful effects of the 
water. 




UR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 255 

" Temperature of the Spring, 54° Fahr. 

Gaseous contents in an imperial gallon : — 
Sulphuretted hydrogen, 4*54 cub. in. 
Carbonic acid, 8-75 

Nitrogen, 4-25 

" Solid contents of 32 cubic inches of water, 
gr. 1-25, consisting of sulphate of soda, lime 
and magnesia, carbonate of lime and muriate 
of soda. Besides these ingredients, the water 
contains, in considerable quantity, a peculiar 
organic substance, which, mingled with sul- 
phur, is deposited on the sides of the Spring, 
and seems to increase by a species of organic 
growth." 

The Red Sulphur water is decidedly seda- 
tive in its effects. It subdues chronic inflam- 
mation, tranquillizes irritation, and reduces 
the frequency of the pulse in the most as- 
tonishing manner. 

It has been considered peculiarly adapted 
to the cure of pulmonary diseases, and it is 
true that it has a most beneficial influence on 
most cases of this disease ; but its good effects 
equally extend to all cases of sub-acute in- 
flammation, whether seated in the stomach, 
liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, bladder, and 



256 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

most particularly in the mucous membrane 
In fact, nature never yet gave to man a reme 
dy capable of more extensive application, 01 
better calculated to relieve a larger class of 
diseases. 

It is not uncommon for persons to arrive at 
the Spring, who have not been able to sleep 
during the night, even with the aid of opium, 
and who, after drinking the water for a few 
days, find their nervous irritation so soothed 
and allayed, that no other anodyne is required 
to procure them full repose for the night. 
This fact is so striking, that a young lady of 
this place, in writing to her father from the 
Red Sulphur, facetiously styles it " Sleepy 
Hollow." The soporific effect of the water 
was most forcibly exemplified in the case of 
Mr. C. Smith, of Georgetown, D. C, a gen- 
tleman of the highest respectability, who had 
been for some time labouring under chronic 
laryngitis, and had not enjoyed sleep for 
months, even with the aid of large doses of 
morphia. He arrived at the Red Sulphur a 
few days after myself, and immediately com- 
menced a free use of the water. The third 
night after his arrival, he slept soundly all 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 25? 

night, without either coughing or turning in 
bed, and not only continued to sleep well every 
night during the use of the water, but was 
compelled, from the drowsy feeling which it 
produced, to indulge himself in more than one 
nap during the day. 

In a letter, dated some years ago at this Spring, 
from the late F. W. Gilmer, Esq., professor 
of law in the University of Virginia, he says : 
" These waters are far superior to all others. 
In a few hours they allayed my cough so as 
to take away all that was unpleasant in it. 
They diffuse a sense of coolness, freshness, 
and newer life over the whole system. They 
abate the pulse most rapidly, remove fever, 
lubricate and soften whatever is hard and dry, 
make one sleep as though he had taken an 
anodyne, are the safest of all waters, and, in- 
deed, have no ill quality. 77 

The late venerable Dr. R. H. Bradford, of 
Va., who practised medicine for many years 
at the Red Sulphur, in a communication on 
the subject of the water, remarks : " The ef- 
fects of this water in reducing the frequency 
of the pulse, is one of the numerous, singular, 
and powerful properties belonging to it. It 
22* 



258 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

lessens arterial action to such a degree, that 
it seldom fails to remove fever, difficulty of 
breathing, and pain in the chest. When the 
patient is restricted to a proper regimen, this 
water may be taken with greater advantage, 
in all pulmonary cases, than any other reme- 
dy I have ever seen employed for that purpose. 
It is also an important remedy in enlarged 
liver and spleen, and in diseases of the mu- 
cous membrane generally." 

The Rev. W. M. Green, a pious, good man, 
of Hillsboro', North Carolina, makes the fol- 
lowing communication, dated October 15th, 
1837. " In the month of March, 1830, (being 
then in my 32d year,) I was taken with a dis- 
tressing cough, which would scarcely permit 
me to speak half a dozen words successively 
without interruption. The attack was doubt- 
less the effect of much exposure in travelling 
the preceding winters, hastened and aggra- 
vated by certain symptoms of dyspepsia, 
which had been increasing upon me for some 
months previous. The symptoms of my dis- 
ease, when first taken down, and for a long 
time after, were an incessant hacking cough, 
and clearing of the throat without expectora- 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 259 

tion, a sense of choking or suffocation in the 
lower part of the larynx, which afterwards 
became inflamed and painful, a pulse varying 
from 100 to 120 strokes in a minute, a stric- 
ture across the breast preventing full inspi- 
ration, dark greenish stools, lateritions urine, 
copious and exhausting night sweats, sleep- 
lessness, great nervous irritability, a craving 
appetite, with oppression after eating, insati- 
able thirst, frequent involuntary sighing, and 
more or less fever during the day, especially 
in the afternoon. 

" The medicines first administered were 
brown mixture, and other expectorants of a 
similar kind, together with the free use of 
tartar emetic ointment. My disease, however, 
seemed to gather force, until a temporary 
check was given by the exhibition of calomel 
in broken doses, until salivation was produced, 
which alleviated some of the most distressing: 
symptoms. As soon as I had regained suffi- 
cient strength for the journey, I set out with 
a kind friend to spend a few weeks near the 
sea-coast. The trip, however, was without 
sensible benefit, owing to the prevalence at 
the time of raw easterly winds, and I returned 



260 SPRTNGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

to all appearance the same, if not worse than 
on leaving home. 

u Having heard much of the efficacy of the 
Red Sulphur water, I determined to try it. 
Accordingly, leaving home early in July, I 
reached that place about the 10th, confining 
myself closely to the use of the water, and of 
the sulphur shower-bath, for nine weeks. I 
had not been at the Spring more than two 
days before I began to experience a favourable 
influence on my system generally, as well as 
an amelioration of some of the principal symp- 
toms of my complaint. My pulse soon felt 
the wonder -working "power of that mysteri- 
ous tempest-stilling agent which resides in 
those waters. Arterial action was greatly re- 
duced, the nervous system composed, the 
cough brought down to a mere fractional part 
of its former proportions, digestion improved, 
sleep restored, urine rendered colourless, the 
stricture across the breast less oppressive, 
night sweats lessened ; in a word, every pain- 
ful and dangerous feature of the disease was 
moderated, and time allowed to shake off the 
enemy. The two most striking effects pro- 
duced by the use of this water were the evident 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 261 

reduction of arterial action, at the same time 
that the general system was recovering its 
tone, and the total extinguishment of that 
burning thirst which had been tormenting me 
for more than twelve months. I hesitate not 
to state here, what may appear incredible to 
many, that for nearly six months after I re- 
turned home I felt no symptom of thirst, 
whereas, before my going to the Spring, 
scarcely fifteen minutes would elapse during 
the day between my calls for water. This 
latter effect was still more strikingly experi- 
enced in the case of the Rev. Mr. H*% of Hali- 
fax county, Va., who assured me, after visit- 
ing the Spring a single season, he remained 
eighteen months a stranger to thirst. As to 
the effect on my pulse, although it was de- 
cidedly marked and beneficial, yet there were 
other cases under my own observation of still 
more striking character. One I distinctly re- 
member, that of a Mr. Boal, a young Irishman, 
residing in Lynchburg, Va. He came to the 
Spring by the advice of his physicians, who 
saw in him the well-known symptoms of pul- 
monary disease. On his arrival, the average 
stroke of his pulse was from 110 to 120 in a 



262 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

minute. In three days, without the aid of 
any other means than the free use of the water, 
it was reduced to the healthful beat of 65 
strokes in a minute. The case of Mrs. B****r, 
of Raleigh, is no less remarkable; such was 
the effect of the water on her arterial system, 
that a single glass was known to reduce the 
pulse 10 beats in a minute. 

" My usual habit was to drink three or four 
glasses of the water before breakfast, three at 
11 or 12 o'clock, two about 5 o'clock in the 
afternoon, and two on going to bed. I am 
convinced that what was taken late at night, 
and very early in the morning, was more effi- 
cacious than all the rest taken during the day. 
My exercise consisted in a ride of three miles 
before breakfast on horseback, another about 
sunset in my carriage, and in the interval 
an occasional game at the shuffle-board — a 
game, though not very refined, unquestion- 
ably admirably adapted to exercise a weak 
chest. 

" It may be well to mention here, that on 
my return home, my appearance was so little 
improved, as to produce the impression among 
my friends that my trip had been without 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 263 

benefit. Nor was the improvement which 
really had been produced, perceived in its 
extent, even by myself, until I had been at 
home a week or two. I mention this for the 
encouragement of other invalids, who return 
home dejected and hopeless, because they do 
not experience the immediate g-ood effect of 
this and other Sulphur waters. The effect is, 
in many cases, felt only after the fatigue of the 
journey is over, and the noisy bustle of the 
watering-place forgotten amidst the comfort 
and quiet of home. I will only add. that 
after my return. I was enabled occasionally 
to occupy my pulpit, and to enjoy the society 
of my friends. 

••' The next season I sought the mountains 
again, but finding my pulmonary symptoms 
in a great measure removed, and my dyspep- 
sia but little abated, I spent the greater part 
of my time at the White Sulphur. A third 
visit, two years after the second, served to re- 
move every unpleasant symptom, and put the 
blessing of health once more in my reach. At 
this moment, the only remnant of disease, 
which all my friends, and nearly all my phy- 
sicians, pronounced to be johthisis pulmonalis^ 



264 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

is an appetite which often needs the bridle of 
just moderation. 

" To Him who preserved me be all honor and praise." 

Mr. James Boa], of Lynchburg, who lost 
two brothers by pulmonary consumption, in 
a communication dated Red Sulphur, August 
5th, 1837, states : "A change of life, from being 
an active farmer to that of a sedentary store- 
keeper, produced constipation and general de- 
bility (especially in my arms and knees,) a 
dry tickling sensation in the throat, slight 
cough, and but little expectoration. The 
tightness increased, until riding a refractory 
horse, I had an attack of hemorrhage ; the 
discharge at first was pretty copious, of a 
scarlet frothy appearance, moderating to a 
mixture of bloody phlegm. My nights were 
passed with but little sleep, and that disturbed 
by troublesome dreams. In the month of June, 
1828, had an attack of diarrhoea, and was very- 
much reduced. About the 1st of July, 1828, 
I visited the Red Sulphur Spring. My pulse 
on my arriva,, (when free from excitement,) 
was about 120 pulsations in a minute. Com- 
menced drinking the water, and in one week 



DR. HUXTT OX THE RED SULPHUR. 265 

my pulse was reduced to 65 strokes in a 
minute, with an improvement in my strength 

and feelings generally. Supposing* my cure 
effected. I omitted the use of the water for a 
few days, and found my pulse increasing in 
frequency. I again used it three weeks longer, 
when my pulse was reduced to its former 
standard, of 65 strokes in a minute. My 
course of diet — for breakfast, dried toast and 
boiled milk, or black tea : for dinner, a little 
venison or mutton. rice ; or cold wheat bread : 
for supper, coid rye mush and milk, always 
guarding against rich sauces or pastry : took 
exercise in the open air. My plan was. to 
drink freely, say six or eight glasses of the 
water before breakfast, keeping in constant 
motion. The general operation of the water 
was that of a diuretic, and by taking exercise. 
perspiration was very copious. My bowels 
were regular, once a day, and have continued 
so (except from casual indisposition) ever 
since. I visited the Red Sulphur in the sum- 
mer of 1829. and had my general health so 
completely restored, that I am now here in 
August. 1837, on a visit to my old friend and 
benefactor, in perfect health.'' 
23 



266 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

The following communication is from 
Chief Justice Taney, of the Supreme Court 
U. S., dated Baltimore, Jan. 8, 1838 : 

" The information you have received as to 
the benefit derived from the Red Sulphur 
Spring by Mrs. Taney and myself, is correct. 
We spent six weeks or more there, in the 
summer of 1835, and both of us were in bad 
health when we went there. The journey, 
however, was taken on Mrs. Taney's account, 
and by the advice of Dr. Potter and Dr. Buck- 
ler. Her health had been failing for several 
years, and her lungs were supposed to be se- 
riously threatened. She complained of a pain 
in her breast, coughed a goocl deal, and had 
an excited and quick pulse. The alarming 
symptoms were entirely removed by her visit 
to the Red Sulphur, and she has since enjoy- 
ed her ordinary health. It is proper, perhaps, 
to remark, that although Mrs. Taney felt in 
some degree the benefit of the water, while 
she remained at the Spring, yet we were not 
sensible of the extent of the improvement 
until some time after our return home. Both 
of us have since had much better health than 
we had known for years before, and we both 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 267 

have great confidence in the efficacy of those 
waters, and, I may add, retain a lively recol- 
lection of the kind attentions of Mr. and Mrs. 
Burke while we remained there." 



CHAPTER XVI. 

{Dr. Huntt.) — The following four cases were 
communicated by a distinguished physician 
of South Carolina, who passed the summers of 
1822-23 and part of '24 at the Red Sulphur 
Spring, and whose name commands as much 
respect and confidence as that of any other 
gentleman in the Southern country : 

" I shall give you a few of the very many 
cases that have come under my notice, of the 
efficacy of the Red Sulphur water in pulmo- 
nary diseases. This is due to the communi- 
ty, and also to the intelligent proprietor, who 
unites in himself the good manners and polite- 
ness of a gentleman, with the capacity and 
disposition to add all that he can to the com- 
fort, both of the valetudinarian and traveller 
who may be in pursuit of pleasure. 

Case 1. — " In the winter of 1821, it became 
the duty of R. H. to devote himself to his 
friend, A. B., far advanced in pulmonary dis- 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 269 

ease. B. H. was in good health, and not in 
the slightest degree predisposed to pulmonary 
consumption, either by figure or inheritance. 

A. B. died during this winter with the tuber- 
culous form of this disease. In the spring, 

B. H. began to feel pains in the chest and 
sides, and frequently to have a tickling sen- 
sation about the epiglottis. In July, a slight 
cough made its appearance, and after a week 
or ten days, was followed by an attack of 
haemoptysis. The use of the lancet, low 
diet, and some mild expectorant, afforded so 
much relief that the usual occupation of B. 
H. was resumed. In August, another attack, 
more severe, was experienced, and a trouble- 
some cough excited more alarm. The usual 
remedies were used, and with relief. In 
September ; a severe attack ensued, a large 
vessel was ruptured, nearly a pint of blood 
was thrown up from the lungs, and great 
emaciation took place. The cough could not 
be checked, and in October B. H. sailed for 
the Island of Cuba, with little expectation of 
ever returning ; but his situation was improv- 
ed by the mild winter of this delightful cli- 
mate. In April, ] 822, he returned to Caro- 

23* 



270 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

lina, still coughing. His situation now be- 
came very alarming to his friends, and it was 
decided that a trip to Virginia should be tried. 
B. H. rode through the western part of North 
Carolina and East Tennessee, and came into 
Western Virginia at Abingdon, and reached 
the Red Sulphur early in June. At this time 
I was called upon to visit him, and found his 
pulse 106, cough troublesome, pains in the 
chest, appetite very variable, tongue preter- 
naturally clean, bowels much disordered and 
irregular, skin dry and feverish about noon. 
I directed three tumblers of water to be taken 
at bed time, four before breakfast, and as many 
as were necessary to satisfy thirst during the 
other times of the day. In two weeks, the 
pulse was reduced to 84, 78, and then 75 ; 
the cough very much diminished, the pains 
in the breast were gradually disappearing. 
The digestion became good, the bowels regu- 
lar, the skin comfortable, and the appearance 
of the patient much improved. The diet was 
very simple, and the greatest attention was 
paid both to the quality and quantity of it ; 
tea and coffee were abandoned ; homony, rice, 
or rye mush, with milk, constituted the break- 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 271 

fast ; a small portion of mutton or venison, 
with rice, made the dinner, and dry toast and 
water the supper. At the end of five weeks, 
B. H. left the Spring perfectly renovated, and 
apparently quite well, having gained 15 lbs. 
in weight. 

" In 1823 and '24, he again visited the 
Spring, and remained several weeks ; he was 
not sick, but unwell, and returned to the 
Spring rather to confirm, than to renew his 
health. This is a strong case. The circum- 
stances of it authorize me to make it stronger, 
but I am unwilling to excite doubts of the 
value of the Spring, by writing extravagantly 
of its water." 

Case 2. — " Mr. J. S., of Mississippi, reached 
the Red Sulphur Spring in July, 1822. I 
being the only physician on the spot, was re- 
quested to visit him professionally. I found 
my patient the most emaciated object I ever 
saw, to be moving from place to place. The 
history of his case, as I learned from himself, 
was very concise. He had been a soldier at 
New-Orleans, and bore his share in the dan- 
gers and difficulties of the campaign, had suf- 
fered much from exposure, and at the close of 



272 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the war, was, like the rest of the volunteers, 
sent home, and like many others, was the 
worse for the services he had rendered. His 
constitution was shattered, and he had been, 
more or less, an invalid, until within a few 
months of his arrival at the Red Sulphur. A 
severe cold had left him with a cough, and 
after a while, this had been succeeded by 
haemoptysis of a most alarming character ; 
repeated attacks left him without strength, 
and without hope. He had no hereditary 
predisposition to pulmonary disease. He had 
been on the road for some time, and seldom 
travelled more than five miles a day. His 
cough was very distressing, pulse quick to the 
touch, and counting 125 in a minute, night 
sweats and diarrhoea, pains in the chest, and 
very hurried respiration, with profuse expec- 
toration, all presented themselves. To me 
this seemed a hopeless case, and, as I thought, 
beyond the reach of the profession. A large 
blister was applied to the chest, an expec- 
torant mixture was prescribed, a table spoon- 
ful to be taken whenever the cough was 
troublesome. He was directed to commence 
with the water in small quantities, (for I was 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 273 

fearful of increasing the diarrhoea.) He took 
two tumblers at bed-time, and two in the 
morning early. Upon visiting him the next 
day, I was informed that he had passed a com- 
fortable night, comparatively speaking, had 
slept several hours, and was not as much 
harassed as usual, either by the bowels or 
cough. He was directed to live upon rice 
and milk, dry toast, and weak tea. This plan 
was persisted in, as my notes show, for ten or 
twelve days, with a gradual improvement in 
the case. After this time, the water was in- 
creased to eight, and sometimes ten tumblers 
in the day. The pulse was soon reduced in 
force and frequency, and the cough much 
mitigated. The sweats at length ceased, and 
the diarrhoea disappeared. The effect of the 
water upon the pulse in this case was very 
remarkable ; it seemed to control it as you 
would the horse with the bridle ; the patient 
was so sensible of this, that he used to laugh, 
and say, if he took an over-dose of the water, 
his pulse, he believed, would cease entirely. 
He rode on horseback at the end of a few 
weeks, ten miles, without inconvenience ; his 
weight was very much increased, and he 



274 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

thought himself well. In six weeks after his 
arrival, he left the Spring, certainly more im- 
proved than any one I had ever seen, with no 
symptoms of disease remaining except the 
cough> and that very much mitigated. In 
1823, Mr. J. S. returned to the Spring, and I 
saw him daily ; he stated that he had con- 
tinued well until March, when a sudden 
change of weather, for which he was not pre- 
pared, brought on a catarrhal affection, upon 
the subsidence of which, a cough, and much 
debility ensued. He remained for three weeks, 
and again left us in good health, with the ex- 
ception of a cough, which was by no means 
troublesome. From this period I have heard 
nothing of Mr. J. S. ? but am persuaded that 
he recovered entirely/' 

Case 3.—" Mr. J. C, of North Carolina, was 
directed to go to the Virginia Springs by his 
medical adviser, in 1823 ; but was left to find 
out the particular Spring that was adapted to 

his case. I was on a visit to the Spring, 

and found Mr. J. C, who, upon hearing that 
I was a medical man, asked for advice. He 
was of a robust habit originally, (as he stated,) 
and was most unexpectedly attacked by hae- 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 275 

moptysis, whilst in the midst of his usual 
occupations; which were mercantile. His 
strength was at this time considerable, his 
pulse full and strong, respiration laborious 
and painful, skin dry, appetite inordinate, and 
the cough allowing him no rest at night. I 
used the lancet very freely, limited the diet to 
bread and milk, and water, and desired him 
to remain quiet. Upon the ensuing day, the 
lancet was again used freely, the symptoms 
not being mitigated ; on the third day, there 
was little or no improvement, and I desired 
him to proceed to the Red Sulphur, and to 
use the water in full doses, say, four tumblers 
before bed-time, and four before breakfast, to 
live low, to take no exercise, and be as quiet 
as possible. In a week or ten days I returned 
to the Red Sulphur, and the first person that 
greeted me was Mr. J. C. ; his symptoms had 
all subsided, which the lancet failed to con- 
trol, and yielded at once to the use of the 
water. This is certainly a most remarkable 
property in this water, but it is so well known 
to the surrounding country, as well as to nu- 
merous persons who have visited the Spring, 
that we incur no risk in making the statement 



276 



SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



we have. It is also peculiar to the water, that 
although on the lowest diet, the strength im- 
proves, and the weight is uniformy increased. 
After some few weeks Mr. J. C. returned 
home, restored to the enjoyment of health, and 
I have never heard of his return to the Spring, 
which he would certainly have done had it 
been necessary to do so. I could go on, my 
dear sir, and add case after case ; but it is 
unnecessary to do so, the reputation of the 
Spring is too well established to require any 
eulogy. I will add one more case, and that 
not of a pulmonary character, in which the 
water of the Red Sulphur evinced all the vir- 
tues that I have attributed to it in the cases 
stated." 

Case 4. — " General B., from Prince Edward 
county, in Virginia, arrived at the Red Sul- 
phur Spring in August, 1823, so much swollen 
as to be taken from his carriage with difficul- 
ty. The face, hands, feet, and legs, were 
swollen to an enormous size ; the abdomen 
was absolutely pendulous, and the whole ap- 
pearance indicated dropsy in its most terrible 
form. The bowels were torpid, the urine 
scanty and high-coloured, the appetite bad, 



DR. HUXTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 27? 

and the digestion worse, sleep was disturbed 
and painful, from the inability to lay down, 
and the strength reduced, and daily becoming- 
less. 

■ ; The General seemed in much better spirits 
than could have been expected, and stated, 
that he had come there on a former occasion 
quite as sick as we then saw him. and that he 
had reason to have all confidence in the water. 
No medicine was taken, but the water was 
used in such quantities as the stomach would 
In a few days the bowels became loose. 
and at the same time the kidneys began to se- 
crete and pour forth urine in large quantities. 
The swelling of course began to subside, and 
all the functions to assume a more healthy 
tone and character. The General remained 
until the latter end of September, and returned 
home apparently in ^ood health. The patient 
whose case has been stated, lived in a fever 
and aofue country, and had suffered much from 
this disease : his liver was certainly very much 
deranged in function, if not in structure : his 
physicians at home had pronounced it an in- 
curable case of hepatitis, and did not think he 

could reach the Spring. 
24 



278 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

" In '24 I saw the General at the Spring 
again ; his health was apparently good, but he 
complained of indisposition, and certainly im- 
proved during his residence at the Red Sul- 
phur. I have thus, my dear sir, made from 
my notes the statements herewith sent you. 
I could multiply them to a considerable ex- 
tent, but it is useless, as they all go to prove 
the same thing, viz., the influence that the 
Red Sulphur water exercises over the arterial 
system. I shall not attempt to reason the sub- 
ject ; it would be satisfactory to me if I could 
account for the facts, but it is sufficient for me 
that the facts do exist. 

" I do not wish to be understood as stating 
that the water of the Red Sulphur will cure 
confirmed phthisis, or tuberculous consump- 
tion ; but I believe that we are very often mis- 
taken, in supposing a case of pulmonary irri- 
tation more desperate and hopeless than it 
really is, and I believe that in most cases, if 
this Spring is resorted to early, and the cloth- 
ing, and diet, and exercise, duly attended to, 
its waters will be found a most powerful ad- 
junct and assistant in the management of these 
hitherto unmanageable cases." 






DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 279 

During my visit to the Red Sulphur, every 
day was devoted to the investigation of the 
various diseases which afflicted the visiters at 
that place ; noting particularly the effects of 
the water in the different diseases. 

Most of the cases were various forms of 
pulmonary consumption. In the earliest stage 
of tuberculous disease, the patients generally 
complained of abdominal plethora, with cough, 
some oppression, and restless nights, with fre- 
quent pulse. In all these cases, where the 
water was taken in such quantities as to 
operate on the bowels for a week or ten days, 
and afterwards increasing the quantity so as 
to act freely as a diuretic, and the patients 
were abstemious in their diet, and took exer- 
cise regularly, a rapid improvement was most 
generally the consequence. On the contrary, 
those who used but little exercise, and indulg- 
ed their appetite without restraint, were slow 
and tedious in their convalescence. Let it be 
impressed on the minds of all tuberculous 
patients, that sedentary habits are among the 
most powerful causes of tuberculous diseases. 

Many persons arrive at the Red Sulphur, 
who are not prepared to use the water, in con- 



280 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

sequence of high inflammation, or congestion 
of the lungs or other organs, attended with 
pain in the side, constriction at the breast, or 
hot and restless nights, with a quick, sharp 
pulse ; all such cases must have the vascular 
excitement subdued, before the water can be 
taken to advantage. I saw several of those 
cases under the management of Dr. Saunders, 
the resident physician of the place, who treated 
them very successfully, by means of bleeding, 
local and general, emetics of ipecac before 
bed-time, blisters, and occasionally the blue 
pill. 

Most of the visiters at the Red Sulphur this 
season were labouring under tuberculous con- 
sumption, of the second, or middle stage; many 
of them had visited the Spring one or two 
seasons, and there was scarcely an exception 
among them, who had not experienced one or 
more attacks of haemoptysis ; and hcemoptysis 
may generally be considered as an indication 
of tubercles in the lungs. Those who had 
visited the Spring before, would say, that they 
returned home apparently cured, cough, night 
sweats, expectoration, frequent pulse, all re- 
lieved, a good appetite restored, and flesh in- 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 281 

creasing daily. Towards the spring season, 
the pulmonary symptoms would commence to 
kindle up again, and by June or July it would 
become necessary to repeat the visit to the 
Red Sulphur, although the symptoms were 
much less aggravated, and the constitution 
much less enfeebled than during the previous 
season. 

The water of the Red Sulphur seems to act 
by soothing irritation, lessening the frequency 
of the pulse, and by subduing the inflamma- 
tion of the tissues in contact with the tu- 
bercles, and thereby rendering the tubercles 
harmless ; and also by suspending that ten- 
dency of the system to generate or deposit 
tuberculous matter. It is not unusual in post- 
mortem examinations to discover tubercles in 
the lungs of subjects who had never exhibited 
any signs of pulmonary disease during their 
lifetime ; and in visiting the slaughter-houses 
of butchers, we have been astonished to ob- 
serve numerous tubercles in the liver and 
lungs of animals, particularly the hog, and 
the sheep, which were fat, and otherwise in a 
healthy condition. 

" Dr. Carswell," says Dr. James Clark, " has 
24* 



282 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

remarked it as an important fact, that the mu- 
cous and serous tissues in contact with the 
tuberculous matter, are often found in a 
healthy condition ; while this continues, tu- 
bercles may remain an indefinite length of 
time in their original state, or the softer part 
of the tubercle may be absorbed, leaving the 
more solid calcareous portion on its site, — a 
termination which occurs more commonly, I 
believe, than is generally supposed." 

Among this description of patients who had 
visited the Red Sulphur two seasons, was Mr. 
Jacob S. King, of Henry county, Va., who 
stated he was taken ill with influenza in Feb- 
ruary, 1835, followed by pulmonary symp- 
toms of a serious character. " About the 7th 
of August following," says Mr. King, " I ar- 
rived at the Red Sulphur Spring, labouring 
under diarrhoea, with acute pain in both sides, 
so much so that I could not remain on either 
side for one minute at a time without great 
suffering. My pulse was from 120 to 130 in 
a minute, and my cough very troublesome. 
The second day after my arrival at the Red 
Sulphur, I was freely cupped and leeched on 
both sides, and at night took a pill composed 



DR. HUXTT OX THE RED SULPHUR. 2S3 

of morphine, ipecac, and blue mass. The 
third morning I took an emetic of ipecacuan- 
ha. My diet was simply one glass of milk, 
and a piece of stale light bread, three times a 
day for fourteen days, and drank the water 
freely during this period. I gained a pound 
of flesh daily, and my pulse was reduced to 
76 in a minute : my cough, strength, and gene- 
ral feelings were very much improved : bowels 
entirely regular, and in good condition. 

" I am now at the Red Sulphur, August, 
1S37, enjoying much better health than in 
1S35, my cough being very slight, although 
my health is not entirely restored.' 7 

The cases, generally, labouring under this 
stage of pulmonary disease, improved in their 
health, particularly if they remained long 
enough at the Spring, restricted themselves to 
proper diet, and took sufficient exercise : but 
there were a few among them who took little 
or no exercise, and gave unlimited indulgence 
to an inordinate appetite. In such cases I 
took no interest, and observed but little change 
in their appearance. 

On examining the visiters labouring under 
pulmonary disease, I observed that all those 



284 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

patients who drank the water so as to act free- 
ly on the bowels, for any length of time, did 
aot improve in their health, because active 
purging is not proper for the lungs in this 
disease. The water must be drank in such 
quantities as to act freely on the kidneys. 
There seems to be an intimate association* 
between the lungs and the kidneys, and the 
kidneys seem to be the great emunctories by 
which the lungs are relieved in all pulmonary 
diseases. This idea has been repeatedly sug- 
gested to me, in my attendance on patients 
labouring under this disease ; on inquiring 
into their condition, they frequently said, " I 
feel much better to-day ; I have had a copious 
flow of urine, which has afforded me great 
relief." This view of the connexion between 
the lungs and the kidneys has been confirm- 
ed by witnessing the diuretic effects of the 
Red Sulphur water in pulmonary diseases. I 
have a friend who is a physician, and who has 
laboured more or less under pulmonary dis- 
ease for twenty years. He informed me that 

* This association seems to exist also between the 
heart and the kidneys, as manifested during the use of 
the water in several cases of diseases of the heart. 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 285 

when his lungs were disturbed by irritation, 
he always resorted to " cooling diuretic medi- 
cines for relief." 

There are but few persons labouring under 
the third or last stage of tuberculous diseases, 
who visited the Red Sulphur this season, and 
among those few there was scarcely a case 
that derived any advantage from the use of 
the water. When tuberculous disease arrives 
at this stage, and the constitution is broken 
down, it is not only useless but cruel to send 
the patient to the Red Sulphur. I am sorry 
to say, that several of my patients in this con- 
dition, by my advice, visited the Red Sulphur 
this season, and I witnessed the bad effects of 
the water in their cases, as well as in the cases 
of others of a similar character. They were 
labouring under that peculiar irritation, and 
perhaps ulceration of the bowels, so common 
in this stage of the disease. They were un- 
able to drink but a small quantity of the water, 
and the consequence was, that the bowels were 
purged and griped, the secretion of the kid- 
neys was not increased, and the patient grew 
worse daily. 

The following case of rheumatism of the 



286 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

heart was communicated by Wallace Allen, 
Esq., of Richmond, Va., dated Feb. 15th, 
1838: 

" For some years I was a martyr to rheu- 
matic affections, and finding no permanent 
relief from the various remedies proposed 
either by my friends or attending physicians, 
I was induced, as a dernier resort, to visit the 
Hot Springs in the summer of 1831. After 
remaining there eighteen days, I found my 
health so far restored as to deem a longer stay 
unnecessary. From that period, my health, 
though not robust, suffered little apparent de- 
clension until 1835, when I began to expe- 
rience a change of feeling, commencing with 
irregular and inordinate action of the heart : 
that organ being evidently enlarged, and its 
vessels, together with the arterial system, suf- 
fering great derangement, and producing vio- 
lent palpitations. During the latter part of 
that year, and beginning of the next, my dis- 
ease gained ground to an alarming extent. I 
became listless and inactive. My mental 
faculties seemed obscured in a cloud, and my 
physical energies so prostrated, that an entire 
suspension of my regular pursuits became 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 287 

imperious. Under these circumstances. I con- 
sulted a medical gentleman of great eminence 
residing in Philadelphia, who, after minute 
investigation, pronounced my disease rheu- 
matism of the heart* and prescribed, as the 
only means of cure, moderate exercise, meagre 
diet, and a trip to the Hot Spring. At this 
time, the symptoms were so severe as almost 
to threaten the extinction of life ; intense 
throbbing of the temporal arteries, great de- 
bility, and depression of spirits, were the cha- 
racteristic features of my complaint. In the 
month of July, 1837, 1 visited the Hot Spring, 
where I remained thirty days, and experienced 
considerable alleviation. I then determined 
on removing to the Red Sulphur, thinking to 
test by my own observation and experience 
the high renown of their medical properties, 
as famed for allaying arterial excitement. Ac- 
cordingly, early in September, with some 
agreeable companions, (which formed a great 
inducement,) I wended my way to that beau- 
tiful valley, where health and pleasure seem 
to dwell as tutelar guardians of the lovely 
spot. There I determined to remain some 
days, that I might inhale the invigorating 



288 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

freshness of the mountain air, and luxuriate 
in the delights of the mountain scenery. Ana 
well was I repaid, not only in the happy re- 
sults of the experiment, as it regarded my 
health, but further, as it enabled me to culti- 
vate some valuable acquaintances recently 
formed, among whom I am pleased to recog- 
nize a physician, who evinced no common 
interest and sympathy in my case. By his 
advice I remained three weeks, making free 
use of this health-restoring fluid, and receiv- 
ing therefrom benefit transcending my most 
sanguine expectations. During my stay at 
this Spring, I found each painful and alarm- 
ing symptom gradually subsiding, and the 
pulsations of the heart and greater arteries de- 
creased from 96 to 72 vibrations in a minute, 
the throbbing of the head ceased to annoy me, 
and I have every reason to consider myself 
convalescent. The last week in September I 
returned home with renewed health and in- 
vigorated feelings, and am now daily growing 
better. My usual amount of strength has re- 
turned, and I am confirmed in the opinion, 
that the malady under which I had so long 
laboured, and all its consecutives, have been 



DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 289 

totally eradicated by the free use of the Red 
Sulphur water. 

" Here let me bear testimony to the polite 
kindness of the worthy proprietor of that cele- 
brated watering-place, whose unceasing atten- 
tions to the wants and comforts of his guests 
call for high eulogium." 

The Red Sulphur water maybe used with 
the most decided benefit in obstinate cases of 
bowel complaints, gleet, leucorrhoea, catarrh 
of the bladder, and uterine derangement. 

It is not unusual for persons w r hile using 
this water to pass calculi from the bladder, 
some specimens of which are in my posses- 
sion, about the size of common beans. I do 
not pretend to assert that the water has any 
specific action on the stone ; but by its power- 
ful diuretic effects, by allajdng irritation, and 
probably by relaxing the urethra, the calculi 
are washed from the bladder as it were with- 
out pain. This fact is worthy the considera- 
tion of all persons labouring under affections 
of the kidneys or bladder. 

The general instructions which have been 
given regarding the mode of using the Red 
Sulphur water, may not be considered suffi- 
25 



290 SPRTNGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ciently condensed to meet the view of the 
general reader ; I will, therefore, recapitulate 
the directions. Begin the use of the water 
with great caution. If the system should be 
too plethoric, or too much excited, the use of 
the water should be postponed until the ex- 
citement shall be reduced to a proper state. 
Commence by taking one glass of water at bed- 
time, and one before breakfast ; after a few 
days, take two glasses at bed-time, and two 
before breakfast, one at 11 a. m., and one at 
5 p. m. This quantity will generally operate 
freely on the bowels ; if it should fail to pro- 
duce this effect, a little common salt, magnesia, 
or cream of tartar, may be added. If it is de- 
sired to act on the kidneys, increase the quan- 
tity of water to three or four glasses between 
a light supper and bed-time, and the same 
quantity between daylight and breakfast time, 
two glasses at noon, and one or two glasses 
about 5 o'clock p. m., taking care to exercise 
freely after drinking. The most proper pe- 
riods for using the water are at night before 
bed-time, and in the morning before breakfast 
time. 






CHAPTER XVII. 

Having now, we think, conclusively prov- 
ed, not only that tubercular consumption is 
not incurable, but that the Red Sulphur water 
affords the best chances for cure or relief, we 
feel it incumbent upon us to make a few ob- 
servations on the treatment of that disease. 

We have always been of the opinion that 
too much practice has been the great error of 
the profession, in their attempt to counteract 
its progress. Gentlemen of the Sangrado 
family, yielding too readily to the specious 
theories of Broussais and others, seem to think 
that while there is an ounce of blood in the 
body, they must continue to cup, and leech, and 
phlebotomize their unfortunate patient, when, 
in fact, it is for want of blood, and from the 
defective quality o? what he has, his life is 
ebbing away to its kindred earth, as the tide 
returns to the bosom of the ocean. We do 
not say that this is so in all cases ; but we 



292 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

maintain that the vast majority of cases of tu- 
bercular consumption are dependent on con- 
stitutional debility, and that, if you impru- 
dently add to this condition by untimely 
depletion, you at once prostrate those vital 
powers which otherwise might have made 
some struggle against the enemy. Do we 
then deny the utility of depletion altogether? 
By no means. If there be a congested state 
of the blood-vessels, or any other indication 
absolutely demanding blood-letting, it should 
not be delayed. We are not arguing against 
a cautious and judicious depletion, but we 
protest against the practice of some physicians 
in sticking their lancet, upon all and every oc- 
casion, into their unfortunate patients. 

The attention should first be directed to the 
cause of the patient's condition, and to the re- 
moval or modification of that cause. Nature 
having a horror of dissolution, struggles to 
maintain herself against the foe ; a feather 
thrown into the balance for or against her, 
may decide her fate. Oh what a responsibili- 
ty rests upon him who undertakes to correct 
her aberrations, and lead her back to the way 
she should go ! It is not to be denied that 






DR. HUNTT ON THE RED SULPHUR. 293 

tuberculous or calculous deposits in the lungs 
produce inflammation, and that sometimes it 
is so serious as to demand depleting remedies ; 
but here we should stop, else we throw open 
the gates that otherwise may have opposed 
some resistance, however feeble, to the assail- 
ant. It is agreed by all, that in the early stages 
of chronic consumption a change to country 
air is proper. Now it is evident, that if any lo- 
cation combines all the advantages of a good 
climate with an agent whose power in this 
disease has been well ascertained, it affords all 
the chances which a change of residence can 
offer. 

In an early part of this work, we took occa- 
sion to give our own experience of the climate 
of the mountains of Virginia ; and we here re- 
peat, it cannot be surpassed from the 1st of 
June to the 15th November. In some cases 
of asthma it is unsuited, on account of its ele- 
vation ; but, sheltered as it is from the north- 
easterly winds of our sea-board, it scarcely 
feels the equinoctial tempests, and the air is 
always pure, balmy, and invigorating. 

We have already given our views of the spe- 
cies of diet which generally suits those who 
25* 



294 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

use mineral waters. At this Spring, there can 
be no doubt that an act of imprudence in diet 
may be more detrimental than at any other. 
Itself a sedative, if, under its use, the invalid 
gorges himself with a stimulating diet, it is 
disturbed in its operations, and from being 
originally a sedative, may, by abuse, be con- 
verted into a stimulant. In the first stage, 
mild farinacious diet is that pointed out by 
nature ; in the latter stages more nutriment, 
and sometimes even a stimulant, is admissible. 
The use of the Red Sulphur water, as we have 
recommended it, under the best circumstances 
of judicious management, suitable exercise, 
prudence in diet, and a residence during the 
winter in a mild climate, may, under Provi- 
dence, restore many interesting persons to 
usefulness and their friends. 

While some have been sceptical as to the 
value of the Red Sulphur water in tubercular 
consumption, others seem desirous to make the 
impression that it is good for nothing else. 

Now we think we have already demon- 
strated, not only that it is valuable in con- 
sumption, but that, acting on the human sys- 
tem not as a specific, but on great general 



LARYNGITIS. 295 

principles, it is equally available in all cases 
of subacute inflammation and irritable condi- 
tion of the system, whether produced by mor- 
bid function or organic lesion of some organ. 
That man, therefore, who acknowledges its 
value in diseases of the chest, and refuses his 
confidence in kindred diseases, can have but 
a faint idea of the nice physiological relations 
of the human body, of the pathological changes 
and complications induced by abnormal func- 
tion, or of the influences exerted by remedial 
agents in restoring the balances that had more 
or less varied from the healthy standard. We 
shall conclude our notice of this water by 
taking a cursory view of the more important 
diseases to which it is applicable, and shall 
then leave its reputation to the great arbiter 
of all such questions — public opinion. 

Laryngitis may be divided into acute and 
chronic. The former does not fall within the 
scope of our design in writing this work ; but 
as we think we can make a useful suggestion 
in this formidable disease, we will be excused 
for occupying the attention of the reader for a 
short time. 

Acute Laryngitis usually commences with 



296 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

inflammation of the tonsils, and of the fauces 
generally, and is ushered in by chills and 
fevers ; inflammation progresses rapidly, and 
unless relief is quickly obtained the patient 
lapses into the asthenic stage, and the painful 
scene soon closes. Now if the patient is seen 
whilst depletion is yet admissible, how may it 
be effected with the greatest chances of suc- 
cess ? The mode of operation we shall sug- 
gest is so obviously the proper one, that it is 
matter of surprise it has not been in general 
use for centuries in this and other acute inflam- 
mations of the fauces, such as tonsilitis, &c. 
Yet except the few physicians we have in- 
formed of the operation, and shown how to 
perform it, we have known of no solitary in- 
stance in which it has been practised in this 
country. The operation we refer to is bleed- 
ing the sublingual vein. Not only in acute 
laryngitis, but more especially in putrid sore 
throat, have we seen instantaneous relief from 
this operation. 

The operation is thus performed : Place the 
patient in a chair in a reclining posture, seize 
the tip of his tongue by the medium of a towel, 
strike the vein with a spring lancet, and the 



LARYNGITIS. 297 

operation is over. Now, on account of the 
muscular contractibility of the tongue, it will 
not bleed, unless we use warm water, which 
must therefore be sipped and spat out, and 
with it the blood will flow freely for any 
length of time you please. The temperature 
of the water had better be about 112°. If you 
desire to stop it, you have but to substitute 
cold water instead of warm. If one bleeding 
does not suffice, the opposite vein can be 
treated in like manner. Now it will strike 
every man of common sense at once, that this 
operation possesses vast advantage over that 
by leeches, cupping, or general blood-letting. 
It immediately relieves the congested vessels 
in contact with the inflamed part, and enables 
the salivary and other glands to perform their 
functions. It can be performed at all times, 
and in every place, and by every one who can 
recognize the vein. No time need be lost m 
town or country, for the moment the alarm 
arises it can be resorted to. In putrid sore 
throat, we will pledge our lives, that if per- 
formed early, and followed by an emetic 
and brisk purgative, and an antiseptic gar- 
gle, say 12 grains chlorate of soda to a half- 



298 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

pint of water, the life of the patient will be 
secure. 

The only difficulty in performing the opera- 
tion is with infants. With children of four 
years old we have succeeded, as follows : We 
apply a powerful mustard plaster to the throat, 
and when it stings severely, we make a bar- 
gain with the child to take it off, provided he 
will put out his tongue and permit us to per- 
form the operation — he promises, and we re- 
move the plaster, with the understanding that 
if he breaks his promise we again put it on. 
We soothe the irritated surface by cooling 
applications, gain the child's confidence, and 
he thrusts out his little tongue without hesi- 
tation. In order to gargle in such a case, we 
use an ivory pipe terminating in a perforated 
bulb, fitted to a pint syringe, and placing the 
child on the knee of its nurse, with the head 
inclining forward, we inject the gargle, and 
completely cleanse the mouth and fauces of 
the child. And this we repeat according to 
the urgency of the case. We also repeat 
emetics of ipecac once in six hours, until the 
danger is over. 

Sometimes, in chronic laryngitis, the acute 



LARYNGITIS. 299 

form supervenes, and then this operation is 
available. In inflammation of the tongue it- 
self, of the tonsils or epiglottis, it may be used 
with advantage, and we would practise it also 
in the early stage of croup, for the very obvi- 
ous purpose of restoring the normal secretion 
of the glands and mucous membrane. 

Chronic laryngitis may range from simple 
inflammation to ulceration of the mucous 
membrane, cartilages, and vocal ligaments, 
and even to the destruction of these parts. It 
sometimes attends tubercular disease of the 
lungs, and sometimes the larynx itself is the 
original seat of deposition of tubercles. The 
prognosis is of course dependent on the mild- 
ness or intensity of the disease, and on the 
constitutional ability to resist its progress. 
The Red Sulphur water will be found a 
powerful auxiliary in this disease. We have 
witnessed many most interesting recoveries 
by the use of this water, in apparently very 
bad cases. It seems, from the following in- 
teresting extract from MM. Trosseau & Bel- 
loc, the distinguished authors of a prize essay 
on Laryngeal Phthisis, &c, before the Royal 
Academy of France, that the waters of Bonnes 



300 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

and Cauterets, in the Pyrenees, are also cele- 
brated for the cure of this disease. 

" Sulphur ; Sulphurous Mineral Waters. 
— Many physicians, chiefly those who have 
embraced the opinions of the new French 
school, consider as almost fabulous the cases 
of cure reported by Borden and many others, 
effected by the waters of Bonnes and Cauterets. 
But they who have studied the effects of the 
Pyrenean waters upon the spot, they who 
have often sent to them their patients evident- 
ly attacked with pulmonary tubercles, will ac- 
knowledge the admirable cures which have 
been annually effected by this powerful means. 
Therefore we should never neglect the use of 
Sulphurous Mineral Waters, whether natural 
or artificial, in the treatment of various forms 
of laryngeal phthisis. Although secondary, 
they may, unaided, effect a cure in the early 
stages of the disease. We select the following 
case from a host of others. 

" Mr. D., captain of artillery, thirty-four 
years old, was born of tuberculous parents. 
His voice is rather grave, and not very strong, 
except in the high notes. He attended balls 
and soirees, and was much in the world for 



/ / 



LARYNGITIS. 301 

three months, when he perceived that his voice 
was hoarse, and complete aphonia soon fol- 
lowed. There was no expectoration or pain 
in the larynx, and the general health con- 
tinued excellent, only he was greatly fatigued 
by the severe efforts that were necessary to 
make himself understood. There was nothing 
to induce a suspicion of disease in his lungs, he 
had never had haemoptysis, catarrh, or angina. 
He used as a gargle, one ounce of alum to a 
pound of water, for a fortnight, without amend- 
ment. Milk diet was then prescribed, with 
some advantage ; to this was added one bottle 
of Bonnes waters per day. This soon effected 
an improvement, and a complete cure at the 
end of two months." 

We see from the foregoing extract, that 
scepticism is not confined to the physicians 
of this country : it is, indeed, the natural re- 
sult of medical research and experience, for 
no man can appreciate the difficulties of a 
science so well as he who has encountered 
them. But while, on the one hand, the phy- 
sician should be slow to believe, on the other, 
he should not lapse into absolute incredulity. 
To him may be applied with propriety the 
26 



302 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

general maxim so elegantly expressed by the 
Latin poet : 

Est modus in rebus ; sunt certi denique fines, 
Quos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum. 

We have ourselves lived long enough to 
have observed that valuable hints may be 
gathered from the very haunts of ignorance. 
Utility is not only the mother of justice and 
equity, but also, and more especially, of inven- 
tion. We doubt not many "old worrier? in 
the interior of our country have cured dis- 
eases by some simple infusion or decoction, 
that would have resisted all the science of 
Broussais. Had man continued to live in his 
original simplicity, the trade of the druggist 
would not be so profitable as it is at this time. 
We firmly believe that the Almighty has sent 
no disease to afflict his creatures, for the cure 
of which he has not appointed some remedy, 
subject, however, to that immutable law which 
has allotted to man a certain amount of vital 
power which he cannot exceed, but which he 
may be deprived of by some disturbing force 
from without, or by the misapplication of 
agents intended as remedial. 

Bronchitis. — Acute bronchitis, [Herbert 



BRONCHITIS. 303 

Mayo,) inflammation (ordinarily following 
cold in the head) of the lining membrane of 
the trachea and bronchi, which become red 
and slightly thickened, sometimes softer than 
natural, attended with a sense of dryness or 
roughness behind the sternum, and extending 
into one or both lungs ; cough at first dry, soon 
accompanied by a serous expectoration, which 
is saltish, and slightly glutinous, but not dis- 
tinguishable from the saliva with which it is 
intermixed. As the disease advances, the ex- 
pectoration becomes thicker and more yellow. 
and is mingled with particles of an opaque 
whitish colour ; by degrees the whole becomes 
opaque, of a pale yellow or slightly greenish 
hue, viscid, inclosing air-bubbles, tasteless or 
somewhat saltish, and occasionally marked 
with dots or small specks of blood. When 
the sputae are very large, they frequently leave 
after expectoration a dull pain about the root 
of the bronchi, indicating the place whence 
they have been detached. The cough occurs 
in fits, on waking, after a meal, and on lying 
down to rest. 

Chronic Bronchitis. — The expectoration 
sometimes precisely similar to that of the lat- 



304 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

ter stage of the acute, but most commonly less 
glutinous, more opaque, and nearly puriform 
Occasionally it is of a dirty-grayish or green- 
ish hue, from an admixture of the black pul- 
monary matter. It is usually inodorous ; but 
sometimes becomes more or less fetid, and as- 
sumes the smell as well as the other physical 
qualities of the different kinds of pus. This 
disease frequently follows acute bronchitis, 
and is liable to persist, with remission, for 
years. 

During the remission, the appetite and 
strength return ; but the patient commonly 
loses a little flesh, and remains paler than 
usual. During repose there is no oppression 
on the chest, but exercise soon brings on dysp- 
noea. The complaint remits in the summer, 
and returns in the winter, frequently attended 
with fever. In some rare cases, hectic fever 
comes on, with rapid emaciation, and the dis~ 
ease terminates fatally, with all the usual 
symptoms of phthisis pulmonalis. In fact, 
the most perfect similarity exists between the 
two diseases as far as regards the expectora- 
tion, the emaciation, and all the other general 
symptoms. 



BRONCHITIS. 305 

Such are the characteristics of a disease 
which is becoming every year more prevalent 
in our variable climate, and which has assum- 
ed vast importance, not only on account of 
its frequency, but also on account of the evils 
which a continued impediment to respiration 
may cause, by producing congestion of the 
lungs and heart, and organic disease of the 
latter. This disease, when not the accom- 
paniment of pulmonary phthisis, is usually 
manageable by proper treatment, and early 
removal to a mild climate. The waters of 
the Red Sulphur seldom fail to relieve it, by 
removing the irritated condition of the mem- 
brane, and restoring a healthy secretion, and 
by imparting tone to the constitution. When 
this disease is attended with suffocative secre- 
tions, producing periodically great distress of 
respiration, much benefit will be derived, ac- 
cording to our own experience, in occasional 
emetics of ipecac. 

Having directed no supper to be taken, 
cause the patient to drink from half a pint 
to a pint of warm water, then give 15 to 20 
grains of ipecac. At bed-time give a tum- 
bler or two of Sulphur water. This treat- 
26* 



306 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

mentj in many cases, may be repeated every 
48 hours with advantage. We have found 
emetics used in this manner also valuable in 
many cases of tubercular disease of the lungs. 
Nothing prostrates the bodily powers more 
rapidly than the constant attempt to expec- 
torate, and indeed the hectic fever and sweats 
are greatly aggravated by this cause. 

Our advice to a person afflicted with bron- 
chitis would be to visit the Red Sulphur about 
the 1 5th of June, and use the water until to- 
wards the close of the Indian Summer, (say 
1st to 15th November,) and travelling thence 
southwards, on horseback if possible, spend 
the winter and spring in Cuba. 

Most invalids from the northern States re- 
turn too soon, and proceed directly home. 
Now this is wrong ; they should land at the 
southern extremity of the Union, and advance 
homeward according to the natural progress 
of the season. It is evident that a sudden 
transition from the climate of Cuba to that of 
Massachusetts is imprudent, and if made be- 
fore the summer fairly sets in, may be hazard- 
ous ; whereas there would be little danger in 
arriving in New-Orleans in April, and thence 









BRONCHITIS. 307 

travelling northward, so as to find somewhat 
of the same temperature in one's progress. 

Chronic Pleurisy and Pneumonia. — We 
designed to say something on these and other 
affections of the organs of respiration, but we 
find we have already exceeded our limits, and 
we do not know that it would be attended with 
any practical good. Suffice it to say, that the 
Red Sulphur water is a highly important agent 
in these diseases, and that, by improving the 
general health, it increases the power of the 
absorbents in removing the effusions. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Hypertrophy of the Heart. — The heart, 
(H Mayo,) comprising the auricles, ought to 
have a size either equal to, or a little less, or 
but a little larger, than the fist of the subject. 

A straight line drawn across the breast 
bone uniting the lower edges of the cartilages 
of the third ribs at their sternal insertions, 
passes before the valves of the pulmonary 
artery a little to the left of the mesial line. 
The valves of the aorta are situated directly 
behind the pulmonary veins. From this point 
the aorta and pulmonary artery ascend, the 
former inclining forwards and to the right, so 
as upon emerging from behind the pulmonary 
artery to come in contact with the sternum, 
and to the right of the mesial line, the latter, 
which is from the first in contact with the 
sternum, inclining more considerably to the 
left till it arrives at the margin of the inter- 
space between the insertion of the second and 
third ribs. 



HYPERTROPHY OF THE HEART. 309 

A vertical line coinciding with the left mar- 
gin of the sternum, has about one third of the 
heart, consisting of the basial portion of the 
right auricle, and the whole of the left, on its 
left. The left auricle is situated deep behind, 
and to the left of the heart at its upper part, 
opposite to the interval between the cartilages 
of the third and fourth ribs. The apex of the 
heart beats against the cartilage of the fifth 
rib, or against the interval between the fifth 
and sixth. 

The heart rests on the tendinous centre of 
the diaphragm, which is stretched horizontal- 
ly to form the floor of the chest, at or little 
below the level of the lowest part of the fifth 
rib. The lungs descend along the margin of 
the sternum, about two inches apart, and over- 
lap the base of the heart slightly on the right 
side, and more extensively on the left : then 
receding from each other, they leave a con- 
siderable portion of the right ventricle, and a 
less extent of the lower part of the left, in im- 
mediate contact with the sternum and fourth 
and fifth costal cartilages. 

From the above account of the structure 
and position of the heart, as well as from 



310 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

our remarks on indigestion in a former chap- 
ter, it will be readily seen what a vast influ- 
ence is exerted over that organ by the stomach 
and lungs, both by the quality of the blood, 
as produced by a healthy or vitiated chyle, 
or by a perfect or imperfect oxygenation de- 
pendent on the function of respiration. 

And, moreover, we think the reader can be 
at no loss to comprehend the modus oper- 
andi of the Red Sulphur in restoring the 
functions of this organ to a normal condi- 
tion. The most conclusive evidence of its 
power in disease of the heart, maybe adduced 
in several cases, in which the action of the 
arteries and heart has been reduced in fre- 
quency from 30 to 40 pulsations in a minute. 
Is there any other agent known to science 
that will do this ? We humbly conceive there 
is not ; and therefore we venture to promise 
patients affected with functional disease of 
the heart, the best results from a judicious use 
of this water. 

The Kidneys and Bladder. — We shall 
touch upon the diseases of these organs, from 
which relief may be expected at the Mineral 
Waters of Virginia. All the Sulphur waters 



KIDNEYS AND BLADDER. 311 

claim to be beneficial in grave], and we think 
they are so in a greater or less degree. 

That form of disease in which they are 
most useful is lithic-acid gravel. " Sand 
(Civiale) is understood to be a powdery de- 
posit, which takes sometimes the form of a 
very fine powder, and sometimes, or more fre- 
quently, of grains, caused by the agglomera- 
tion of little crystals, which are easily distin- 
guished with the lens , or that are sometimes 
perceptible to the naked eye. This deposit is 
most frequently of a bright red colour, though, 
in certain cases, it resembles that of brick- 
dust, or is gray, ash-coloured, black, or dusky." 

" Gravel (says Dr. Christison) may be de- 
fined the discharge of pulverulent or gritty 
matter with the urine, occasioning symptoms 
of irritation in the kidneys and urethra." 

The most frequent cause of gravel is indi- 
gestion, especially that species of it attended 
by acidity. When the fluid, overcharged with 
acid, is presented to the kidneys, it is secreted 
in excess ; the lithate of ammonia is decom- 
posed, and the acid precipitated. Another and 
very extensive cause of gravel is hard water. 
Of this fact we can speak experimentally. 



312 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

When riding through the mountainous region 
west of the Alleghany, and using the water 
in most districts of that region, we never have 
escaped with impunity, and we have uniform- 
ly suffered from using the strong limestone 
water of a village in our country. It is on 
this account that in this form of the disease, 
(lithic-acid gravel,) we should be doubtful 
whether the water of the Sweet Springs may 
be used with safety, abounding as it does with 
calcareous matter. The White Sulphur, Blue 
Sulphur, and Salt Sulphur, would be more 
likely to suit the invalid, more especially the 
last, as it is certainly more anti-acid than the 
others ; but they have all to contend with the 
hard, harsh quality imparted by the sulphate 
of lime, and therefore, if there should be an 
irritated condition of the kidneys, which is 
almost certain to be the case in a greater or 
less degree, the use of the Red Sulphur alter- 
nately with the Spout bath at the Hot Springs 
will be found the most efficient treatment. 
We have already intimated that a little bi- 
carbonate of soda may be used with advan- 
tage, in connexion with the Sulphur waters. 
Candour requires us, however, to confess, that 



UTERUS. 313 

relief from this complaint must necessarily be 
temporary, from any remedy but a strict regi- 
men, and abstinence from whatever may have 
produced the predisposition. Irritation of the 
bladder, when produced only by functional 
disturbance, or an excitable nervous tempera 
ment, will be relieved by the waters of the 
Red Sulphur. 

Uterus. — In a work which is intended for 
the eye of the general reader, it will only 
be necessary to touch lightly on the diseases 
of this organ. Those which may be consider- 
ed under the remedial power of mineral waters 
are Amenorrhaia, or obstructed menstruation, 
Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, and 
Menorrhagia, or excessive menstruation. 

Amenorrhoea is of two kinds ; one depend- 
ent on constitutional debility, and the other 
attended by the appearance of good health. 

In the former, according to Drs. Ferguson 
and Simpson, the symptoms are languid cir- 
culation, muscular debility, torpor, or inequali- 
ties of the nervous function, defective nutri- 
tion. When allowed to proceed uninterrupt- 
edly, amenorrhoea terminates in chlorosis. In 
this condition of the system, that mineral 
27 



314 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

water will be the most useful which will 
arouse its torpid energies. Presupposing there 
is no organic lesion, such as a tuberculous 
condition of the lungs, the bath at the Sweet 
Springs will be found the greatest remedy in 
this disease ; but if it be complicated with dis- 
eased lungs or bronchi, then the invalid's 
hope is the Red Sulphur. In the form accom- 
panied by plethora, Dr. Goode's Spout-bath ; 
under his advice, is the appropriate remedy. 

Dysmenorrhea. — In this form of disease, 
we recommend Dr. Goode's Spout-bath, as 
the best remedy known to us. In all cases, 
this remedy must be used under advice. The 
Red Sulphur, as a sedative, may with great 
advantage be alternated with the Hot Springs. 

Menorrhagia. — It is clear that no agent 
that excites the system is admissible in this 
disease. Females labouring under this form 
of uterine affection, will therefore find the Red 
Sulphur alone appropriate, connected with a 
mild unexciting regimen. We venture to say, 
that if the distinctions we have pointed out be 
observed, most of the cases of diseased uterine 
function attending the Virginia Springs will 
obtain relief, and that many a charming 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 315 

woman, whose hopes of fruitfulness have 
been blighted, will present her lord, not her 
master ', with a new and improved edition of 
him or herself. We have seen some striking 
instances of this kind at the Red Sulphur 
within a few years. 

Diseases of the Liver. — This important 
organ is the seat of numerous deviations from 
a healthy condition, and seems especially to 
suffer from high atmospheric temperature. 
Accordingly we find that in the southern lati- 
tudes, and in locations subject to noxious ex- 
halations, that class of diseases usually de- 
nominated bilious, is most frequent. The 
forms of disease of this organ, with which we 
have to do, are its functional aberrations, and 
chronic hepatitis. 

The secretions of bile may be redundant or 
defective, or they may be acrid, or deficient 
in stimulative properties. These conditions 
are dependent, in all probability, on the quan- 
tity and quality of the blood presented for 
secretion, and that is affected by the digestion 
and chylification, and finally by the poison- 
ous effluvia of a corrupted atmosphere. 

In no disease may more be expected from 



316 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

change of climate and habits of life than in 
diseased functions of the liver, and in no re- 
gion of the United States is there a summer 
climate more favourable than the transmon- 
tane division of Virginia. Independent, then, 
of all mineral waters, much may be expected 
from visiting this region ; but when the 
agency of the greatest variety of Mineral 
Springs in the world may be obtained in con- 
nexion with climate, our southern friends 
have inducements to visit us, which are not 
presented by any other region of the Union. 

Now, to say that any one of the Sulphur 
Springs is a specific, in all varieties of func 
tional diseases of the liver, is to display great 
ignorance of the action of those agents. We 
would desire to impress upon the reader that 
it is not a purgative effect that is desirable in 
those cases. If it were, those waters that act 
most freely on the bowels would be the most 
prompt to relieve this disease, and Saratoga 
water would claim preference over all other 
waters in the United States, in those condi- 
tions of the system ; but such is not the case. 
We want an agent that will, in the first place, 
modify the original causes of the hepatic affec- 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 317 

tion, and produce thereon an alterative effect ; 
and this agent, we have already demonstrated, 
is sulphuretted hydrogen, combined with 
warm bathing. We agree with Dr. Goode, 
that there are cases of hepatic functional dis- 
ease that may be, and are relieved by the Hot 
Springs alone ; but we are also certain that 
the surest plan is to visit first a Sulphur water, 
using at the same time the artificial bath, and 
to spend the latter portion of the season at the 
Hot Springs, or ; which in our view is better, 
to alternate these remedies through the season. 

We repeat here, what we have already in- 
timated in treating of the White Sulphur, that 
minute portions of blue mass should be used 
in connexion with the Sulphur waters and 
warm bathing in hepatic diseases. It may be 
used with great safety, as the sulphuretted hy- 
drogen prevents any permanent constitutional 
effect, and it will be found a most valuable 
auxiliary. 

From what we have said on this subject, it 
will be seen that we claim for all the Sulphur 
waters decided power over functional disease 
of the liver. It is difficult to say which is en- 
titled to a preference. Idiosyncracy has some- 
27* 



318 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

thing to do with it ; but there is evidently no 
important difference in their action on this 
organ. In setting forth the claim of the Red 
Sulphur for equality with the others, we only 
do that which experience justifies, and in the 
second form, at the head of this article, (Chro- 
nic Hepatitis,) it is the only water which will 
fulfil the indications required. 

We will notice in this place Chronic Di- 
arrhoea, connected with functional disease of 
the liver, which will close our remarks on the 
internal organs. This disease is extensive in 
our country, on account of the variability of 
the climate, which acts unfavourably on a 
system previously disposed to it. The most 
common forms of diarrhoea are bilious diar- 
rhoea and mucous diarrhoea. The former is 
more generally, in warm climates, consequent 
on hepatic disease ; the latter may either be 
symptomatic of inflammation of the intestines, 
or may be idiopathic, arising from congestion 
or irritation of the mucous membrane. When 
this affection becomes chronic, it is frequently 
difficult to manage, and requires great care 
and judgment. Drastic remedies of every kind 
do mischief, and we should find a mild altera- 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 319 

live, which, combining with change of air, free 
exercise, prudent diet, and the warm bath, 
give the greatest chance of relieving the dis- 
ease. There can be no doubt of the value of 
the warm bath in this disease, as proven in 
our article on the Hot Springs. 

We have never seen a case that was not re- 
lieved at the Red Sulphur. The White suc- 
ceeds in some cases, when it is produced by 
congestion of the membrane : but in many- 
cases it is of too stimulating a nature. Alter- 
nating the Red Sulphur and Hot Springs will 
be the surest plan. There are cases of this 
disease in which the Sweet Spring bath also 
acts with very decided and admirable effects. 

The account already given of these Springs 
has been so minute that little remains now to 
be said as to their remedial properties. After 
the book appeared, it was alleged, by one in- 
dividual at least, that we had written what he 
termed an elaborate puff of a water, in the 
success of which we were interested. In our 
remarks on Dr. M. we have proved that we 
had no interest such as was ascribed to us. 
We confess we did take more than ordinary 
pains to inform ourselves of all that could elu- 



320 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

cidate the virtues of the Red Sulphur, and 
now that no human being can suppose we 
have any interest, immediate or incidental, in 
its success, we re-affirm all we have said, and 
declare that not only is our faith undiminished ; 
but that every year, since 1829, when we first 
visited it, our confidence has, if possible, been 
more firmly rooted. Whatever, therefore, has 
been given to the public by us, was conscien- 
tiously believed by ourself, and if we have in 
aught deceived them, we also are deceived. 
The analysis has undergone the correction of 
its author, and we beg leave to call the atten- 
tion of the reader to this portion of the work. 
It will convince any candid man that the com- 
position of this water is essentially different 
from all the others, and we think it establishes 
beyond doubt the possession of curative pow- 
ers previously ascertained by experience. 

The estate on which these Springs are sit- 
uated, consisting of about 1350 acres, was sold 
in 1843, under a Deed in Trust, to Andrew 
Beirne and James A. Dunlap, and by them 
purchased at less than one fourth its cost to 
the former proprietor. Both of the purchasers 
are since deceased, and the property is now 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 321 

held by their heirs. We visited the place last 
season. It was kept as well as might be ex- 
pected under the circumstances, and seemed to 
receive its proportion of patronage. The 
houses and grounds have been kept in pretty 
good repair, but yet it did not look as spruce, 
and trim, and gay, as of yore. This, how- 
ever, may have been imagination. Painting 
and whitewashing contrast so beautifully with 
the green sward and trees, we could have 
wished they had received more attention. The 
Temple over the Springs remains in an un- 
finished state, and we fear will so remain. 
The beautiful Summer-house on Mount Ida is 
a ruin. Nought remains but some eglantines 
which we planted with our own hands in by- 
gone days. Oh ! how sweet was their fra- 
grance, with the dew-drops resting upon them ! 
What a train of thoughts rushed upon our 
mind as we stood upon that mound and con- 
templated the peaceful and lovely villa be- 
neath ! How strange are the incidents crowd- 
ed into a few years ! It appears as yesterday, 
when we entered, at early candle-light, a 
gloomy gorge skirted by dense forests and torn 
by contending torrents. A few comfortless 



322 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

cabins studded the little glen. No light was 
to be seen, for those cabins had no windows. 
A solitary light gleamed under the rude shel- 
ter that covered the Springs. All around 
seemed desolate and cheerless. Nor did the 
morn bring on its wings a brighter prospect : 
it only served to make darkness visible. The 
sun shone brilliantly, but it shone not upon 
the inhabitants of that valley. When it near- 
ly reached its meridian, then only did it 
vouchsafe its rays, and before the afternoon 
meal was ended, it again disappeared behind 
the Western forests. Three or four years 
passed away, and a visiter who had seen it in 
its period of gloom, again entered that valley, 
and he said : Where am I ? No, no, it is not 
possible ! This is not the place I once knew. 
Behold those ranges of beautiful building, and 
the white railings, and the green-sward, and 
the smooth walks, and the noble trees, and the 
playful fawns and timid deer, and civilization, 
and beauty, and elegance. Again behold ! and 
he who planned and perfected the lovely scene, 
is gone to toil for his daily bread, and his rich 
neighbour enjoys his life's labours — and the rich 
man dies — and the poor man returns — and he 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 323 

plucks the sweet eglantine, and he enjoys its 
fragrance — and he is filled with gratitude to 
that great Being who has suffered him to come 
hither again, and look on that peaceful vale 
— and quaff the limpid fountain — and recall 
visions of the past. 

The kind reader will pardon the apostrophe 
produced by feelings we could not control. 
And now. to return to things tangible : we 
shall simply remark, that the idle stories which 
he will hear that this water has been injured 
by the writer, by blowing the rock with gun- 
powder, is a base fabrication, and that there is 
no depreciation, as a glance at the analysis 
will show ; but that it is pure and unadulter- 
ated as the virgin snow on the summit of the 
Andes. We. who know, assert this ; and we 
are, surely, as worthy of credit as the misera- 
ble retailers of such wicked falsehoods. 

Some distance up the branch is a little 
spring which we discovered in 1840, and 
which is now called Hicks' Spring — a gentle- 
man by the name of Hicks from Mecklen- 
burg having ascribed his cure from chronic 
diarrhoea to its use. The general charac- 
ter of the water is the same as that of the 



324 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

great Spring ; but it is weaker, and the tem- 
perature higher, by several degrees. It has 
this advantage, that it requires exercise in go- 
ing and returning ; but we would not recom- 
mend to invalids to rely exclusively upon it. 
The stream is exceedingly feeble. The road 
between the Red and Blue Sulphur is now, or 
certainly will be completed before the next 
season. It is one of the best and most beau- 
tiful roads in the mountains, crossing the 
Greenbrier River at a very interesting spot. It 
will be a drive of five or six hours, permitting 
the traveller to breakfast at one Spring and 
dine at the other. In the whole round of the 
Western Springs, there now remain nine 
miles to be turn piked, and these are the first 
nine miles from the Salt to the Red. The 
proprietors of both should unite and complete 
this link. 






CHAPTER XIX. 

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

We should have taken great pleasure in 
presenting our views on the Mineral Waters 
of the Salt Sulphur, but we deem that it would 
be presumptive in us to treat of a subject that 
has been pre-occupied by a very distinguished 
physician and surgeon of Philadelphia. Dr. 
Thomas D. Mutter. We feel that it is more 
consistent with a due sense of that gentlemairs 
superiority, as we are sure it will be more 
agreeable to the proprietors, and profitable to 
the public, that we should substitute his ob- 
servations for our own, and therefore subjoin 
so much of his pamphlet as has immediate re- 
ference to this watering-place. 

We would do violence to our own feelings, 
however, were we to pass over unnoticed the 
claims of the amiable proprietors, Messrs. Ers- 
kine and Caruthers, upon the public, for the 
sumptuous provision they make for the ac- 
commodation and comfort of their guests, and 

the uniform kindness that marks all their in- 

28 



326 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

tercourse with them. Mr. Erskine attends in 
person to the location of visiters, and gives 
universal satisfaction. He is always kind, al- 
ways amiable, always agreeable, never obtru- 
sive. All the arrangements of this establish- 
ment deserve commendation, and we sincerely 
hope its success will realize the just expecta- 
tion of those worthy gentlemen. 

" The Salt Sulphur Sprifigs* three in 
number, are situated in the county of Monroe, 
in 37J° north latitude, and 5° longitude west 
of Philadelphia, and at an elevation of about 
1400 feet above tide-water. All the Springs 
are situated on < Indian Creek,' a small lime- 
stone stream which rises in a valley a few 
hundred yards above the Old or Sweet Spring, 
and pursuing its l devious way' for about 23 
miles in a south-west direction, finally empties 
into New River, in Monroe county. It derives 
its name from the circumstance of the Indians, 
who in former times were in the habit of en- 
tering the valley of Virginia from Kentucky 
and Ohio, almost invariably making it their 
' camping stream. 1 Their graves, along with 
other traces of their frequent resort to this par- 

* The Salt Sulphur Springs, Monroe county, Va. 
Thomas D. Mutter, M.D. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 327 

ticular spot, are occasionally met with at the 
present day. 

" The Salt Sulphur is hemmed in on every 
side by mountains. To the south and east, 
in full view, and about ten miles distant, is 
Peter's Mountain ; due north, and about four- 
teen miles distant, is a low spur of the Alle- 
ghany; and west it is bounded by Swope's 
Mountain, at or near the base of which are 
the two principal Springs. 

" It appears from the statement of some of 
the • oldest inhabitants,' that the Old or Sweet 
Spring was discovered in 1S02 or 1S03, by 
Alexander Hutchison, Esq., who was engaged 
in boring for salt along- Indian Creek. For 
several years it enjoyed much celebrity, and 
was annually the resort of a large company. 
The house occupied as the hotel, and several 
of the old cabins, are still standing. The 
opening of the Salt Sulphur Spring, the 
medical properties of which are so much more 
strongly marked, and the erection of commo- 
dious buildings near it, soon destroyed the 
fame of the Sweet, the water of which is at 
the present time used almost exclusively for 
the baths, although there are some individuals 
who still prefer it to that of either the Salt or 



328 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

New Spring. To gratify such, and at the 
same time to test the value of the water, the 
enterprising proprietors, in the summer of 
1839, caused the Spring to be deepened and 
thoroughly repaired. At present, it is enclosed 
in a white marble reservoir, two feet square 
by two feet four inches in depth, over which 
is erected a neat wooden edifice, of an order 
c sui generis? In taste, smell, colour, and 
constituents, it strongly resembles the Salt 
Spring, but it is much more feeble as a reme- 
dial agent, which is to be attributed to its con- 
taining a smaller quantity of the active prin- 
ciples common to both. 

" The second Spring, or the Salt Sulphur 
proper, was discovered in 1805, by Erwin 
Benson, Esq. He was induced to believe that 
either sulphur water or salt might be found in 
considerable quantities at the spot now occu- 
pied by the Spring, from the fact of its being 
the favourite ' Lick' of immense herds of buf- 
falo and deer. Under this impression he began 
boring, and had penetrated but a short distance 
below the surface, when he struck the vein of 
Sulphur water now constituting the Spring. 
Like the Old, this Spring is enclosed in a mar- 
ble reservoir, two feet square, and about two 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 329 

feet ten inches deep, but from the boldness of its 
sources, it is probable that this Spring will be 
enlarged. It is protected from the influence of 
the weather by a neat and appropriate edifice, 
furnished with seats. The water possesses all 
the sensible properties of the Sulphur waters 
in general. Its odor, for instance, is very like 
that of a ' tolerable egg,' and may, in certain 
states of the atmosphere, be perceived at some 
distance from the Spring ; and in taste it is 
cousin-german to a strong solution of Epsom 
salts and magnesia. In a short time, however, 
strange to say, these disagreeable properties 
are either not observed, or become on the 
other hand attractive ; indeed, there is hardly 
an instance of an individual's retaining his 
original repugnance to them longer than three 
or four days, and some there are who become 
so excessively fond of the water, as to give it 
the preference over any other liquid. Like 
most of the Sulphurous, this water is perfectly 
transparent, and deposits a whitish sediment, 
composed of its various saline ingredients, 
mingled with sulphur. It is also for the most 
part placid ; occasionally, however, it is dis- 
turbed by a bubble of gas, which steals slowly 
to the surface, where it either explodes with 



330 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

a timid and dimpling smack, or is eagerly- 
caught up by some care-worn and almost 
world-weary invalid, as a gem from the trea- 
sury of Hygeia! 

" The following analysis of this Spring is 
furnished by Professor Rogers, of the Univer- 
sity of Virginia : 

" { Solid ingredients. — Sulphate of lime ; 
sulphate of magnesia ; sulphate of soda ; car- 
bonate of lime ; carbonate of magnesia ; chlo- 
ride of sodium ; chloride of magnesium ; 
chloride of calcium ; iodine, probably com- 
bined with sodium ; sulpho-hydrate of sodium 
and magnesium ; sulphur, mingled with a 
peculiar organic matter ; peroxide of iron, de- 
rived from proto-sulphate. 

" c Gaseous ingredients. — Sulphuretted hy- 
drogen ; nitrogen ; oxygen ; carbonic acid. 

" < The bubbles of gas that are seen adher- 
ing to the sides of the Spring, are composed 
almost entirely of nitrogen.' 

" The precise proportions of the solid in- 
gredients will shortly appear in the ' Report 
on the Geology of Virginia,' which Professor 
Rogers is at the present moment preparing for 
the press, and for the appearance of which the 
medical profession has been for some time 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 331 

anxiously waiting. The temperature of this 
water is 50° Fahr. 

" The third, or New Spring, was discovered 
in 1838 by the proprietors, while engaged in 
cutting a drain for the water of the i Salt, 5 and 
was immediately deepened, and furnished 
with a marble reservoir, similar to those of 
the other Springs, over which a frame build- 
ing has been erected. Its water is not as 
limpid as that of the other Springs, in conse- 
quence of the excessive deposit of sulphur, in 
combination with some organic element which 
floats as a pellicle on the surface of the Spring. 
Frequently when the heat of the sun is intense, 
a beautiful pink deposit, resembling in appear- 
ance that met with in the : Red Sulphur,' is 
discovered upon the sides and bottom of the 
reservoir. In taste and smell, it resembles very 
much the water of the other Springs, but, from 
being ten degrees warmer \ is to some persons 
less palatable. It contains but a small portion 
of free gas, and hence presents a sluggish, and 
when covered by the pellicle alluded to, rather 
a disagreeable aspect. In chemical composi- 
tion it resembles the Salt, as the following ex- 
tract from a letter of Professor Rogers will 
show : 1 1 enclose you a list of the ingredients 



332 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

in the Salt Sulphur water, which applies to 
the New as well as the Old Spring, the former 
having rather a smaller amount of saline mat- 
ter in general, though in some ingredients 
surpassing the other. It has been very minute- 
ly analyzed, and is the first of all the waters 
in which I was able to detect traces of iodine, 
which it contains in larger amount than the 
Old Spring, and indeed most of the other wa- 
ters in which I have been so fortunate as to 
discover this material.' Its temperature ranges 
from 62° to 68° Fahr. 

" Comparing the water of the Salt Sulphur 
with the Sulphur waters of Europe, we shall 
find that it corresponds most nearly with those 
of Harrowgate and Dinsdale Springs in 
England. In this country there are several 
Springs, the waters of which resemble it in 
many respects. The White Sulphur ; (Green- 
brier county, Va.,) the Big Bone, (Ky.,) and 
the Olympian, (Ky.,) are of this class. 

" The New Spring, although it resembles 
in most respects the Salt, contains, according 
to the analysis of Professor Rogers, a much 
larger proportion of iodine. The presence of 
this ingredient will render this water, in all 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 333 

probability, highly useful in many cases in 
which the other would prove either a feeble 
agent, or produce no effect whatever : scrofu- 
la, some diseases of the skin, goitre, and the 
affections for which iodine is generally given, 
are among them. Having had but little ex- 
perience in the use of this Spring, from the 
fact that it had but recently been opened when 
I visited the place, I will not hazard a posi- 
tive opinion relative to its therapeutic virtues. 
I have little doubt, however, that it will speedi- 
ly become a favourite, as well as eminently 
useful water. 

u The Old Spring contains most of the in- 
gredients of the other two, but in smaller 
quantity, and hence may be useful in cases in 
which the latter operates too powerfully. My 
experience with this water being also limited, 
I must forbear, until a future occasion, saying 
much about its powers as a remedial agent. 

" In the exhibition of these waters, the rules 
laid down as applicable to the administration 
of all others may be adhered to. When it 
becomes necessary to change the water, or 
alternate it with another, I would recommend, 
from its great similarity, that of the White 
Sulphur" 



334 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

The analysis of this water made by Pro- 
fessor Rogers, proves that it contains a large 
amount of saline ingredients, which impart to 
it greater purgative power than is possessed by 
any of the Sulphur Springs, and also render 
it in some degree more stimulant than the 
White Sulphur. The diseases to which it is 
applicable have been so minutely detailed by 
Dr. Mutter that we can add very little of in- 
terest. It appears from the letter accompany- 
ing the analysis that Professor Rogers declares 
he has met with a much larger quantity of 
Iodine in the lower spring, than in any water 
in which it has been his good fortune to find 
this substance. (We quote from memory, not 
having the analysis by us.) In the analysis he 
gives : Iodine — a trace ! We confess we can- 
not understand how a trace can be much 
greater than the quantity he has been so for- 
tunate as to find in other waters. It may be 
owing to our obtuseness in not being able to ' 
distinguish between a large trace and a small 
trace ; but we have always considered the dif- 
ference to be about the same as between the 
big end of nothing, and the little end of no- 
thing-at-all. Taking it for granted, how T ever, 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 335 

that a trace is not next to nothing- : it may be 
interesting to call the attention of the reader to 
the opinion of another great chemist, with re- 
gard to the presence of this salt in water. 
We sent Mr. Hayes, for correction, the sheets 
containing" his Analysis of the Red Sulphur, 
and he has just returned them with some ad- 
ditional remarks, among which we find the fol- 
lowing : " Waters containing minute por- 
tions of the salt called Hydriodate of Potash, 
may be used as an ordinary beverage without 
any marked action. But diseased organs and 
impaired vital action allow of marked effects 
being produced by such waters/' This is an 
important opinion, and bearing very favourably 
upon the Salt Sulphur: if it. indeed, contains 
this salt in any appreciable quantity. Be this 
as it may, however, experience and analysis 
both prove that the Salt Sulphur is a very val- 
uable water, and there can be little doubt that 
as its properties become better understood and it 
is judiciously prescribed, it will do much good. 
All those valuable springs have been improper- 
ly used in many instances, and the conse- 
quence has been disappointment and failure. 
But the reign of empiricism, in this respect, is 



336 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

drawing to a close ; and selfishness and im- 
posture will fall into merited neglect and con- 
tempt. If we shall, in any degree, have con- 
tributed to such a result, we shall think we 
have not lived altogether in vain. 

It will be gratifying to the friends of the 
Salt Sulphur to learn, that it received, during 
last season, a large proportion of custom, and 
did a more profitable business than it has done 
for years. It richly deserves patronage ; for 
besides the value of the water, which is beyond 
cavil, visiters are treated with uniform kind- 
ness and civility, and sumptuously feasted, 
upon all the luxuries of an abundant market, 
an unrivalled dairy, and a well-cultivated gar- 
den. Here are not doled out short, thick mor- 
sels of meat ; but fine slices of juicy beef or 
mutton, or tender venison, and with as good a 
will as Joseph helped Benjamin. If, then, our 
readers wish to be treated as princes, let them 
hie to the Salt Sulphur. 



J 



CHAPTER XX. 

DISEASES TO WHICH THE SALT SULPHUR IS 
APPLICABLE.* 

The Salt Sulphur, like almost all the 
Sulphurous waters, being a stimulant, should 
consequently not be employed in acute or 
highly inflammatory affections ; nor in those 
in which there exists much active determina- 
tion of blood to the head, or at least not until 
this determination has been guarded against 
by previous diet, purgation, and if necessary, 
blood-letting. But in all chronic affections 
of the brain, nervous system, some diseases 
of the Inngs, stomach, bowels, liver, spleen, 
kidneys, and bladder, it is one of the most 
valuable of our remedial agents. In diseases 
of the joints (gout and rheumatism) and skin : 
in mercurial sequelce : in hemorrhoidal affec- 
tions : and in chronic diseases of the womb, 
it is also a remedy of immense importance. 

1. Of Chronic Disease of the Brain! — 
In no class of diseases, probably, is there re- 

* Dr. Thomas D. Mutter. 

29 



338 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

quired more caution in the exhibition of a 
mineral water, and especially of one which, 
under ordinary circumstances, excites the 
system at large. Many persons on this ac- 
count have prohibited its use ; but experience, 
the only sure guide, has shown that many a 
case of chronic headache, incipient mania, 
and local palsy, dependent upon congestion or 
chronic inflammation of the brain, will yield 
to the steady use of a cathartic mineral water, 
when almost every other agent has failed. 
For such cases the Salt Sulphur seems pecu- 
liarly adapted ; but it must be used with cau- 
tion, and assisted, if necessary, by local deple- 
tion, counter-irritation, and diet. 

2. Neuralgia. — It is well known to the 
profession, that neuralgic affections are often 
dependent upon a deranged condition of the 
chylopoietic viscera. The habitually costive, 
or those who have suffered from repeated at- 
tacks of miasmatic diseases, and the dyspep- 
tic, are generally most liable to attacks of 
neuralgia. In such cases, I have known the 
Salt Sulphur prove highly beneficial. 

3. Nervous Diseases. — The various affec- 
tions termed nervous, such as hypochondria, 
hysteria, catalepsy, chorea, &c, are also fre- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 339 

quently dependent upon disorder of the diges- 
tive apparatus, and resist all our remedies for 
months or years. In such cases a trip to a 
Mineral Spring is generally recommended, 
not so much for the waters, probably, as for 
the change of air, scene, mode of life, &c, 
which it entails. Making all due allowances 
for the beneficial action of the last-named 
agents, I am confident that the steady cathar- 
tic action of the water is of infinite benefit. 
Two cases of chorea, and one of hysteria, I 
saw completely relieved in the course of six 
weeks, by the use of the Salt Sulphur water. 
4. Chronic Diseases of Chest. — Diseases 
of the thoracic viscera are unfortunately too 
common in our country s and hence we find 
crowds of their unfortunate victims at nearly 
every watering-place, seeking, and too often 
but vainly, some relief from their distressing 
condition. In some cases, those, for example, 
in which the irritation is dependent upon the 
retrocession of some habitual discharge, and 
those, too, in which the skin is dry and cool. 
and the indication is to produce a revulsion to 
the surface by directing the fluids from the 
centre to the circumference, which will also 



340 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

facilitate expectoration, the cautious adminis- 
tration of the Salt Sulphur water will be use- 
ful. In those cases, also, in which the cough 
is sympathetic or dependent upon some lesion 
of the chylopoietic viscera, it maybe employed. 
But in every instance where it can be traced 
to an organic affection of the heart or large 
blood vessels, and if there be fever, emacia- 
tion, tubercles with cavities in the lung, hae- 
moptysis, or diarrhoea, the death of the patient 
will be hastened by the employment of a 
stimulant so active as the Salt Sulphur. For 
pulmonary cases,* the Salt Sulphur offers the 
advantage of an agreeable temperature, and 
a dryness of atmosphere not possessed by 
the other Springs in the mountains of Vir- 
ginia. During the season, which continues 
from the 1st of June to the middle of Septem- 
ber, the thermometer ranges from 70° to 85° 
Fahrenheit, and there is little or no fog in the 
morning. 

5. Disease of the Heart. — The following 
certificate is published by Mr. H. McF., of 

* There appears to be some inconsistency here with the 
foregoing paragraph, unless the Doctor means that the 
patient shall abstain from the use of the water ; the alleged 
superiority of climate is altogether imaginary. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 341 

Williamsburg district, South Carolina. I can- 
not suppose, however, that the affection of the 
heart was organic ; it must have been one of 
those cases of functional disturbance depend- 
ent upon disorder of the digestive apparatus : 

" September 4th, 1838. 
" Mr. Erskine : — Having been a sufferer for more than 
three years, from organic disease of the heart, connected 
with bronchitis, pronounced so by eminent physicians of S. 
Carolina, I had the good fortune to visit your Spring, and 
using the water freely for nearly two weeks, with a decided- 
ly good effect upon my obstinate disease, I feel it a duty I 
owe to the public, and to other sufferers like myself, to say, 
that I find it to possess none of the irritating quality that 
some persons suppose. So highly have I been pleased with 
the medicinal qualities of the water of your Spring, that I 
beg you will send me a barrel of it containing 30 or 35 gal- 
lons. H. McF." 

6. Chronic Diseases of the Abdominal 
Viscera. — In making an estimate of the cases 
of disease one meets with at a watering-place, 
it will not, I think, be going too far to say, 
that two-thirds at least are referable to some 
affection of the abdominal viscera. Hepatitis, 
jaundice, splenitis, gastritis, gastralgia, pyro- 
sis, dyspepsia, enteritis, diarrhoea, &c, are 
encountered at every turn. 

In hepatic affections, or those commonly 
called bilious, the Salt Sulphur water is, with- 
out doubt, one of the most powerful and effi- 
29* 



342 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

cient remedies we possess. When taken in a 
proper manner, its sanative influence is speedi- 
ly manifested by a change in the biliary se- 
cretion. Constipation, the usual attendant 
upon such cases, is relieved, the sallowness of 
the skin disappears, and in the course of a few 
weeks a complete and radical cure is often 
accomplished. 

Chronic Splenitis. — One of the most com- 
mon, and at the same time one of the most 
obstinate, of the sequel as of the fevers of the 
south, I have known frequently relieved by 
the use of this water, as well as by that of the 
White Sulphur. 

Chronic Gastric Irritation, it is well known, 
is often relieved by the administration of an 
agent calculated to set up a new action in the 
mucous coat, and those cases of dyspepsia 
which depend upon such a condition of the 
stomach, are often relieved by the use of a 
Sulphur water. A number of such are annu- 
ally met with at the Salt Sulphur, many of 
which leave the Spring perfectly cured. 

Gastralgia, or Nervous Dyspepsia, is also 
occasionally met with, and may depend upon 
a variety of causes, When it is purely a func- 
tional disease, unaccompanied by organic 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 343 

lesion, a Sulphur water, along with Sulphur 
baths, will sometimes produce a very happy- 
effect. 

Pyrosis, or Water-brash, is another disease 
in which the Salt Sulphur proves pre-emi- 
nently useful. I have known cases in which 
a pint or more of a secretion so acid as to set 
the teeth on edge, was daily thrown up, radi- 
cally cured by the use of this water in the 
course of six or eight weeks. (Mr. F., of 
Princeton, is an example of this.) 

When dyspepsia is known to be dependent 
upon scirrhus or cancer of the stomach, I would 
strenuously advise the patient to abstain from 
the use of the Salt Sulphur, and indeed from 
that of any mineral water. Mrs. C — , of North 
Carolina, was, I am convinced, destroyed by it. 

Chronic Irritation of the Bowels, giving 
rise to chronic diarrhoea, or dysentery, upon 
the principle of a new action being set up, are 
frequently cured by the use of the Salt Sul- 
phur. I wish this statement to be borne in 
mind, for it is usual to decry the use of a Sul- 
phur water in such cases ; but the experience 
of those who have paid attention to the subject, 
will bear me out in the assertion. Mr. T., of 
Philadelphia, who for three years laboured 



344 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

under chronic diarrhoea, and who was sup- 
posed to have ulceration of the mucous mem- 
brane of the bowels, was radically cured by a 
few weeks' use of the water. 

Constipation. — Habitual costiveness is an- 
other affection for which the Salt Sulphur 
water is an excellent remedy. 

Hemorrhoids. — The use of laxatives in 
piles is a treatment so long in use that nothing 
need be said in its favour but that Sulphur 
water operates much more beneficially than 
any other agent, inasmuch as in nearly every 
case of chronic piles we find the liver more or 
less affected. This fact, first observed by Arm- 
strong, is so universally admitted, that I shall 
not stop to say anything towards its farther 
substantiation. 

7. Chronic Diseases of the Urinary Or- 
gans. — From the fact that nearly all mineral 
waters, either from the quantity usually taken, 
or from some peculiarity of their ingredients, 
prove diuretic, they have always been favour- 
ite remedies in diseases of the urinary organs. 
Those which contain an excess of alkaline 
ingredients, have without doubt proved re- 
markably serviceable in cases of acid calcu- 



SALT SULPHUR, SPRINGS. 345 

lous diathesis, but it must be confessed that 
as a general rule, and always where the stone 
is large, they prove but a doubtful remedy. 
In the incipient stages of calculous disease, 
however, and those especially in which the 
formation of stone is dependent upon some 
disease of the digestive apparatus, the Sul- 
phur waters are often useful. Many such 
cases have been benefitted at the Salt Sul- 
phur. When this water fails to accomplish 
the desired object, I have seen that of the 
Siveet Springs productive of much good. 

Although this water may be considered as 
a somewhat doubtful remedy in calculous dis- 
ease of any duration, it must be allowed to 
possess astonishing sanative properties in 
chronic irritation of the mucous membrane 
of the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland r , and 
urethra. Many cases of chronic nephritis, 
vesical catarrh, prostatic irritation and gleet, 
are annually cured by its employment. 

8. Chronic Diseases of the Genitals. — 
Like all Sulphur waters, those of the Salt 
Sulphur are often very useful in obstinate 
cases of general or local debility, the result of 
previous excessive indulgence. They are also 



346 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

remarkably beneficial in atonic leucorrhoea, 
amenorrhoea, and dysmenorrhea ; but when 
either of these complaints is dependent upon 
local or general plethora, the use of the water 
must be preceded by depletion, either local or 
general, according to circumstances. 

9. Chronic Rheumatism, and Gout. — The 
diseases most frequently met with after those 
of the digestive organs, at our different water- 
ing-places, are rheumatism and gout. In all 
such the alterative influence of a Sulphur 
water is invariably, I believe, more or less 
useful ; but to receive full benefit from its 
use, the warm or hot mineral bath should be 
resorted to, and the diet, clothing, and exer- 
cise, properly regulated. With many others, 
I cheerfully acknowledge the immense benefit 
derived from the use of the Salt Sulphur. 

10. Mercurial Rheumatism, Periostitis, 
and Inflammation of the Bones, are also very 
much relieved (in most cases) by the use of 
the Salt Sulphur. Along with the water, it 
will be well to use the Hot Baths. 

11. Chronic Diseases of the Skin. — When 
judiciously administered, no remedy is pro- 
ductive of more permanent benefit in all cuta- 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 347 

neous affections; than the Sulphur waters, but 
unfortunately they are but too often abused. 
They are only suitable when the eruptions 
are of long duration, and unaccompanied by 
inflammation. Used in the acute stages, they 
aggravate the symptoms. It is always proper, 
moreover, to employ the warm or hot baths 
during the use of the water. The Salt Sul- 
phur is often eminently successful in relieving 
cases of this kind. 

I have thus briefly sketched the principal 
affections to which the water of the Salt Sul- 
phur is applicable, and to show that my asser- 
tions are borne out by facts, I insert the certi- 
ficates of several persons, who, with myself, 
were very much benefitted by its use : 

Salt Sulphur Springs, July 29th, 1835. 
To Messrs. Erskine and Caruthers : 

Gentlemen, — The undersigned, visiters at the Salt 
Sulphur Springs, prompted by a sense of grateful respect 
for your kind and unwearied attentions to ourselves and 
families, beg leave to convey to you our assurance of en- 
tire satisfaction with the arrangements of your establish- 
ment. Such have been the cordial hospitalities and ample 
and varied accommodations of your house, that we shall 
ever look back to our temporary residence with you with 
pleasure and delight. 

Experience, which is the best analysis your Spring can 
have, justifies us in recommending it as an invaluable anti- 



348 SPRTNGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

dyspeptic water, relieving the liver, bowels, and vascular sys- 
tem, and acting very kindly upon the secretions generally. 

If order, abundant and well prepared fare, excellent 
bedding, quiet and obliging domestics, impartial and 
gentlemanly efforts to promote health and comfort, have 
any influence upon public favor, the proprietors of the 
Salt Sulphur will certainly secure it. 

With sentiments of respectful regard, 

Your obedient servants, 

Rev. Benjamin M. Palmer, Charleston, S. C; James 
Chestnut, Camden, S. C. ; Jos. Otis, New York ; Rev. 
John Johns, D. D., Baltimore, Md. ; Alfred Leyburn, 
M. D., Lexington, Va. ; Rev. Henry V. D. Johns, 
Fredericktown, Md.; H. V. Levis, Philadelphia ; Wm. 
H. Hubbard, Richmond, Va. ; Thomas Wilson, Baltimore ; 
Thomas Easley, Halifax co., Va. ; A. Sebrell, Kanawha, 
Va. ; William Eilicott, Ellicott's Mills, Md. ; Willis Jones, 
M. D., Milton, N. C; Henry P. Norris, Baltimore ; R. 
Jones, U. S. A., Washington ; W. B. Meacham, Missis- 
sippi ; Peter H. Dilliard, Rockingham co., N. C. ; James 
V. Toby, New Orleans ; Geo. L. Twiggs, Ge6rgia ; Richard 
Tubman, Georgia ; S. T. Gaillard, South Carolina ; P. A. 
Clay, Bedford, Va. ; Jacob G. Davies, Baltimore ; Samuel 
R. Smith, Baltimore; Robert M. R. Smith, Baltimore; J. 
B. Grimball, South Carolina ; Oliver Norris, Baltimore; A. 
K. Brown, Petersburg ; Wm. A. Caruthers, M. D., New 
York; Jno. Clark, M. D., New York ; Samuel St. John, 
Jun., Mobile ; William Wilson, Lexington, Va. ; Charles S. 
Richards, New York ; Olio Dyer, Mobile ; William Bones, 
Charleston, S. C. ; John P. Staples, Patrick co., Va. ; Geo. 
Walton, Lynchburg, Va. ; John T. E. Lewis, Brunswick, 
Va. ; James Greenlee, Rockbridge co., Va. ; Benj. B. Duke, 
Louisa co., Va. ; M. H. Dosson, Louisiana ; Wm. Brown, 
North Carolina ; John Harleston, South Carolina ; Francis 
D. Quash, South Carolina ; S. Garland, Lynchburg, Va. ; 






SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 349 

Geo. C. Friend, Charlotte co., Va. ; Edward Wilkins, North 
Carolina ; Orlando S. Rees, South Carolina ; J. B. Billysley, 
South Carolina ; Thomas Shivers, Philadelphia ; F. Pinck- 
ney Lowndes, Charleston, S. C. ; Thomas W. White, Hal 
ifax county, Va. ; Burwell Basset, Williamsburg ; C. P. 
Dorman, Lexington, Va. ; Charles H. Robertson, Charlotte 
county, Va. ; Henry Robertson, Charlotte county, Va. ; 
Samuel N. Stevens, Charleston, S. C. 

Salt Sulphur Spring, August 13th, 1838. 
Messrs. Erskine and Caruthers : 

Gentlemen, — Having been greatly benefitted by drink- 
ing the waters of your valuable Spring, I deem it a duty 
to my fellow-beings to leave this statement of my case in 
your hands. — For six months previous to my coming here, 
I had been suffering with a most obstinate constipation of 
the bowels, which I had tried in vain to remove by medi- 
cine, diet, and exercise ; and during that time I could not 
obtain a stool without the aid of an injection, and great 
pain attending it. After being here ten days, the Salt Sul- 
phur water began to act freely on my bowels, and now, at 
the expiration of a month, I am glad to inform you that the 
constipation is entirely removed, my health and strength 
restored, and I am now going home in cheerful spirits to 
my friends. Yours, truly, 

George A. Butt, New York. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, August 10th, 1836. 

Mrs. left her house in a state of great debility, 

scarcely able to walk, and was but little recruited by the 
journey. She reached the Salt Sulphur on the 20th July 
having stopped a week at the White Sulphur on the way 
but without using the water. After remaining three days 
at the Salt Sulphur, and partaking of the waters there 
she proceeded to the Red Sulphur, and staid there six days 

30 



350 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

returning on the 29th July to the Salt, having, while at the 
Red, used two or three tumblers of the water per diem ; re- 
mained at the Salt Sulphur until the 9th of August. When 

Mrs. arrived first at the Salt Sulphur, she weighed 91 

pounds, and was unable to walk any distance, or use any 
degree of exercise, without suffering greatly. 

In thirteen days after her arrival at the Salt Sulphur, she 
was again weighed in the same scales, and had increased to 
95J pounds, making a gain of 4j pounds in weight, while 
the circumference of her waist had been reduced nearly five 
inches. In the interim, her countenance and eyes had un- 
dergone an essential change for the better, her spirits and 
strength restored, so as to take any ordinary exercise of 
riding or walking without inconvenience. The quantity of 
water which she ordinarily took was from three to four 
glasses per diem, and she was careful in her diet, avoiding 
all warm bread, and principally using bran bread, hominy, 
mutton, &c. &c. 

Stanton, March, 1822. 
Some years since I was afflicted with an obstinate and 
dangerous disease, from which I was unable to obtain relief 
until I visited the Salt Sulphur Spring, near Union, in the 
county of Monroe. The use of that water restored me to 
perfect health ; which makes it my duty to state, at the re- 
quest of the proprietors, the high opinion I have formed of 
its medicinal efficacy. I consider the Salt Sulphur water 
eminently useful in all cases that require cathartic remedies, 
particularly such diseases of the liver and stomach as pro- 
ceed from biliary obstructions. The operation upon the 
bowels is active, but not violent ; cleansing effectually the 
alimentary canal, and promoting digestion in a remarkable 
degree. The cathartic tendency of the water is so mild and 
certain, that the stomach and bowels are never oppressed 
or irritated ; and whilst the healthy functions of the system 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 351 

are enabled to take their course, the suspended causes of 
disease are gradually worn away. 

Briscoe G. Baldwin. 

In the year 1812 I visited the Sweet and Sulphur Springs. 
I was then laboring under a nervous debility and extreme 
costiveness. I derived much benefit from the use of all 
those waters, but found none so strong and active as the 
Salt Sulphur. I concur in the opinion with many, that this 
is a valuable water, and should.be more sought after. 

Certified this 6th day of May, 1823. 

S. B. Chapman. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, August 31st, 1836. 
Messrs. Erskine and Caruthers : 

Gentlemen, — Intending to leave your excellent and 
perfectly arranged establishment to-mcrrow on my return 
home, I cannot, however, do so without expressing my 
thanks to you for your politeness and attention to myself, 
(and I observed the same attention to others,) during my 
stay at the Salt Sulphur ; and I have much pleasure in say- 
ing, that the use of the Salt Sulphur Spring water has been 
eminently beneficial to me, for, prior to my coming here, I 
had been suffering for upwards of eighteen months from a 
total derangement of stomach from a long residence in a 
warm climate (Bermuda), say, bad bile, great acidity of 
stomach, and an overflow of mucus to the lungs ; in short, 
I had the dyspepsia with all its disagreeables, accompanied 
with debility of body. Having tried the White Sulphur for 
ten days without benefit, I came here, and in a week I 
found relief from all my complaints ; but my medical advi- 
ser, who practised at the White, recommended me to try 
the Red Sulphur, notwithstanding my having written to 
him of my improved state, — my pulse, for one thing, being 
reduced from 80 to 73 beats. I went to the Red, and staid 



352 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

there eight days ;* my pulse rose on the third day to 82, the 
fifth day 89, the sixth day to 96 and 100. I was obliged to 
be leeched,which reduced my pulse to 84. I had three head- 
aches and great dryness of tongue ; so on the 9th day in 
the morning, I returned to the Salt, where, on the fourth 
day, my pulse was again at 73, on the sixth day at 71, and 
has continued from that day to this, varying only from 71 
to 72, night and morning. 

I always counted my pulse in bed, when quiet, before 
drinking the water ; for, after drinking the Spring water, 
my pulse latterly came down to 68 beats. I was attentive 
to my diet, taking only stale bread or dry toast, with 
scarcely any butter, two cups of tea with milk (no cream) 
for breakfast ; my dinner was mutton (no gravy) with rice 
and stale bread, no other vegetable — sometimes I took roast 
fowl, but no pudding or pies ; at tea-time, I took one cup 
of tea and stale bread, no butter, I found grease so bad for 
me. The quantity of water taken by me was two half-pint 
tumblers at half past 5 o'clock in the morning in bed ; one 
tumbler at 12 o'clock ; sometimes one at 5 o'clock ; and 
when in bed at night I took one more tumbler of the water, 
but if I wished to perspire a little more freely, I took two 
tumblers of it. I found the water determine gently to the 
bowels, rather than to the kidneys. What I took produced 
a full movement of the bowels. Before breakfast I walked 
a quarter of an hour ; between breakfast and dinner I walked 
about five miles, often going to Union ; between dinner and 

* We have a distinct recollection of this gentleman's case. He had 
been laboring under chronic irritation of the stomach, which, by too 
free use of the Sulphur waters, and perhaps imprudence in diet, was 
converted into an acute form, about the time he reached the Red Sul- . 
phur. Dr. Saunders, then resident physician at the Red, instituted a 
vigorous treatment, which in a few days subdued the attack, and the 
patient's system was now in a condition to receive all the benefit 
which he subsequently derived from the Salt Sulphur. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 353 

bed-time I think I walked about two miles more. I used to 
calculate about seven miles a day. For one hour after din- 
ner I remained quiet in my room. I ate fruit once, and it 
gave me such a lesson I never tried it again. I am thus 
particular ; for it may be of benefit to some one else next 
year, and you are quite welcome to show this letter if you 
wish it. 

Wishing you your health, not forgetting Mrs. Erskine, 
I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

W. H. Burnaby, Baronet. 

Salt Sulphur Springs, September 22d, 1839. 
Messrs. Erskine & Caruthers : 

I have been affected for five or six years with an obsti- 
nate disease of the liver, and dyspepsia, and have visited 
nearly all the Springs in the mountains without having ex- 
perienced any material benefit, until I came to this place. 
I have applied to some of the best physicians without being 
relieved, but am happy to state, that the Salt Sulphur water 
has had a most beneficial effect in removing many of the 
inconveniences attending my disease, insomuch that I am 
induced to carry a portion of it home with me. 
Yours most respectfully, 

Joseph E. Garratt. 

P. S. — I am a resident of Knoxville, Frederick county, 
Maryland. J. E. G. 

A true copy of the original, 

E. & Caruthers. 

30* 



354 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



ANALYSIS OF THE SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS, 

By Prof. Wm. B. Rogers. 



Temperature variable from 49° to 56°. 
Solid matter procured by evaporation from 100 
cubic inches, weighed after being dried at 212°, 
81-41 grains. 

Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 
cubic inches, estimated as perfectly free from 
water. 

1 Sulphate of Lime, 

2 Sulphate of Magnesia, 

3 Sulphate of Soda, 

4 Carbonate of Lime, 

5 Carbonate of Magnesia, 

6 Chloride of Magnesium, 

7 Chloride of Sodium, 

8 Chloride of Calcium, 

9 Peroxide of Iron derived from 

Proto-Sulphate, 0-042 

10 An azotized organic matter 

blended with Sulphur, about 4 



36-755 


grains. 


7-883 


u 


9-682 


u 


4-445 


u 


1-434 


it 


0116 


a 


0-683 


a 


0-025 


u 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 355 

11 Earthy Phosphates, a trace. 

12 Iodine, " 
Volume of each of the gases contained in a 

free state in 100 cubic inches. 
Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 1*10 to 1-50 cubic in. 
Nitrogen, 2*05 " " 

Oxygen, 0-27 " " 

Carbonic acid, 5*75 " " 

"I enclose you a list of the ingredients in 
the Salt Sulphur water, which applies to the 
New as well as the Old Spring, the former 
having rather a smaller amount of saline mat- 
ter in general, though in some ingredients sur- 
passing the other. It has been very minutely 
analyzed, and is the first of all the waters in 
which I was able to detect traces of Iodine, 
which it contains in larger amount than the 
Old Spring, and indeed most of the other wa- 
ters in which I have been so fortunate as to 
discover this material.*' 

In connection with the claim of the agency 
of Iodine in the New Spring, we give insertion 
to the following interesting certificate. 



356 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Union, Monroe County, Va. t 
15th December, 1845. 
During the summer of 1845 I was induced to try the Iodine 
Spring, at the Salt Sulphur Springs, in Monroe, for an obsti- 
nate and (as I then supposed) incurable eruption on the skin 
of one of my children. The disease first appeared, at the age 
of three weeks, in the shape of small red spots upon the cheeks, 
succeeded very soon by little watery pimples, which rose and 
broke continually, but without healing. In a short time the 
affected parts increased in size as well as quantity, until they 
extended from the face to the head and neck, and thence over 
the entire body — presenting one uniform and consolidated ap- 
pearance of disease over the whole surface. The neck, head, 
and face discharged matter from the scabs, and the legs from 
the knee down. For fourteen months I kept the child con- 
stantly under medical treatment, but without any permanent 
benefit, or any prospect of recovery, until, at the instance of 

Dr. M. (who at that time was residing at the Salt,) I was 

induced to make a trial of its waters. He represented the 
disease as a constitutional affection of the blood which could 
not be relieved, and which ought not to be arrested very sud- 
denly, but assured me, very confidently, that it would yield to 
nothing with so much certainty and success as to the exter- 
nal application of the Iodine water at the Salt. The child 
was bathed twice a day in the water made gently tepid, of 
which it drank pretty copiously during the ceremony. About 
the fourth day there was an evident change for the better, and 
the child from that time continued to improve daily, until at 
the expiration of six weeks, the sores had healed, the scabs 
had disappeared, the pimples and splotches had subsided, and 
the skin for the first time for more than fourteen months as- 
sumed a natural and healthy appearance. I have no doubt 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 357 

by remaining a few weeks longer every vestige of the erup- 
tion would have been removed. But I consider the disease 
at this time as effectually conquered, and as having changed 
its type completely. Indeed, the only indications ever visible 
are an occasional roughness on the skin. As we used no 
medicine, except occasionally some mild cathartic, I feel no 
hesitation in ascribing all the results that I have stated to the 
effects of the Iodine water. 

WILLIAM G. CAPERTON. 



3AFBB 5 S 
ERAL* WATER DSP 

TTBEST, N. W. f 
WASHINGTON, 0. C. 



CHAPTER XXL 

BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The Blue Sulphur Spring is situated in the 
County of Greenbrier, in a beautiful valley, 
through which flows a streamlet bearing the 
unclassical name of Muddy Creek. It is 
twenty-two miles, in nearly a western direc- 
tion, from the White Sulphur, on the road to 
Guyandotte, and thirty-two miles north by 
east of the Red Sulphur, with which it is now 
connected by a fine turnpike road. The im- 
provements consist of a brick Hotel — 180 feet 
long, and 50 feet wide, 100 feet of which is 
three stories, the remainder two stories, with a 
portico 12 feet wide the whole length. At- 
tached to this building is another, two stories 
high, 90 by 32 feet ; and adjoining this latter 
is a two story brick building, 150 by 17 feet, 
also having a two story piazza. The whole 
of these piazzas connect ; making a contin- 
uous piazza of 420 feet. This range of build- 
ings affords a dining-room 180 by 30 feet, two 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 359 

large receiving rooms, a ball and drawing- 
room, bar-room, counting-room, and a large 
number of very comfortable chambers, most 
of them having fireplaces. At the north end 
of the Hotel are several brick cottages contain- 
ing two and three rooms each, for families ; 
and several frame cabins in the lawn. We 
think the establishment can comfortably ac- 
commodate 220 persons. We said that this 
valley is beautiful ; we should, perhaps, have 
said, it has been. Fuit Ilium. Never have 
we ^een bad taste more unfortunately illustra- 
ted than here. It seems as if the designer 
had his brain obfuscated by mint-julap. 
What man in his sober senses could have ever 
thought of spoiling a lovely valley like this, 
admitting a prospect of several miles, by throw- 
ing across it from hill to hill a long line of 
buildings which could have been so easily and 
so gracefully ranged along the sides ; not only 
obstructing the view, but also preventing the 
delightful current of air which otherwise 
would have fanned it in the dog-days? Not 
content even with this piece of botching, they 
must permit Dr. Martin to erect his tartare- 
an ovens also across the valley, leaving the 



360 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Temple containing the Spring, and the lawn 
in which it stands, bounded by brick walls 
and mountains. We found Dr. Martin a po- 
lite old gentleman; but we wished he had 
been a bird of passage, and could have car- 
ried his nest in his bill, never again to mar 
this charming valley. We were angry enough 
to throw him into his own boiler, or worse, to 
consign him to the care of Dr. Moorman, who 
might cause him to evolve gas in the stomach, 
for such an act of barbaric taste. Notwith- 
standing all that has been done to spoil this 
place, it is still interesting and beautiful : in- 
deed it will compare favourably with any of 
the watering places in this region. The Spring 
rises in the centre of the vale, and is covered 
by a well-designed but badly executed Temple. 
The fountain is enclosed in marble slabs, is 
five feet in diameter, and one of the most 
beautiful objects imaginable. The sides are 
covered with a brilliant pink deposit, and the 
clear, cool, crystalline water seems to say, 
" Come and drink me." It flows off in a large 
stream, and is conveyed by pipes to Dr. Mar- 
tin's baths. It appears that after the Temple 
was built, our old friend Major Vass (our in- 



BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 361 

form ant is Dr. Martin) undertook to arrange 
the fountain so as to square with the build- 
ing ; but at that very time, a hail-storm. 
mingled with mountain- dew ox fog. happened 
to set in. which so blinded himself and work- 
men, that notwithstanding the remonstrances 
of the said Dr. Martin, (who happened to be 
sheltered from the storm by one of the columns, 
and could, therefore, see the work was not 
square.) the angles of the fountain were made 
to deflect some 18 or 29 degrees from their in- 
tended position ; the Major, all the time, swear- 
ing all was as straight as a shingle. 

This, with a little embellishment, is Dr. 
Martin's version of the story, which he nar- 
rated with the grace of a French comedian ; 
if the worthy Major give his version in time 
for the next edition, we shall insert it with 
pleasure. The temperature of this water is 
about 53 degrees : it is pleasant to the palate, 
but it is a heavy water : it imparts not the 
agreeable feeling to the stomach which is im- 
parted by the White Sulphur : nor does it pos- 
sess that light tranquillizing property that 
characterizes the Red Sulphur. Our opin- 
ion of this water is founded on a slight ae- 
31 



362 



SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



quaintance, and therefore we desire that it may 
be taken only for what it may be deemed 
worth ; but we have taken this impression 
with regard to it, that it cannot be drunk in 
as large quantity as either the White, or Red, 
or Salt, with equal advantage. We are per- 
fectly satisfied it is a valuable water ; but dys- 
peptics, especially, may do well to begin, at 
least, with small potations, and if they find it 
agree, it is easy enough to increase the quan- 
tity. Indeed, it would be well if this course 
were pursued with all those waters ; but un- 
happily this view is taken by a very limited 
number of those who visit mineral waters. A 
peculiar merit is claimed for this water in reg- 
ulating certain periodical secretions ; but we 
are disposed to think its power in this respect 
is exaggerated ; at least, that it has no specific 
action different from other sulphur waters. 
Let the ladies try. though, and judge for 
themselves. 

Dr. Martin, a Frenchman, has, as the read- 
er is already aware, erected a Bathing establish- 
ment at this place. His arrangements are 
quite extensive and well contrived, and ena- 
ble him to give plain or medicated baths of 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 363 

any temperature. There can be no question 
of the utility of these baths, if judiciously ad- 
ministered : they would be equally deleterious 
in the hands of an empiric or a selfish, disin- 
genuous man. The only knowledge we 
have of Dr. Martin is derived from a brief ac- 
quaintance, during which he was most agree- 
able and attentive, and we understand this is 
his uniform manner. He is courteous, affa- 
ble, communicative, and on the subject of Va- 
pour Baths he is always fluent, nay, some- 
times eloquent. We could perceive he was an 
especial favourite with the ladies. And. now, 
we owe the Dr. an apology for being so rude 
as to wish him subjected to the manipulations 
of Dr. Moorman. Indeed, Dr., we were jo- 
king ! We are sure you prefer your own 
odoriferous vapours to those evolved by your 
learned neighbour. 

The Blue Sulphur property is owned by a 
company of gentlemen, one of whom, George 
Buster, Esq.. resides at the place, and conducts 
the establishment. It would be doing great 
injustice not to say that the style of living 
here is more elegant than we have met with at 
any of the Springs. The furniture is better, 



364 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

the appearance of the table is neater, and 
every thing bespeaks comfort and attention. 
We have seen quite as good things at other 
Springs, but nowhere as well served, except, 
perhaps, at the Warm Springs and Salt Sul- 
phur. Mr. Buster himself made a favourable 
impression on us, and our inquiries sat- 
isfied us that our prepossession was justified, 
by his uniformly estimable deportment. We 
trust he will reap the just reward of his atten- 
tion in an annually increasing company. 



DAGGERS 



OR DIBRELLS SPRING. 

Dagger's, or Dibrell's Spring, is situated in 
a glade near the western base of the Garden 
Mountain, on the main road from Lynchburg 
to the White Sulphur, via the Natural Bridge, 
from which it is distant about 14 miles. 

"We were informed by the worthy proprie- 
tor, Charles L. Dibrell, that the number of 
visiters sometimes reached 200 : but we should 
think 1 50 as large a number as could be ac- 
commodated with any degree of comfort. The 
buildings are well arranged for convenience 
and effect. The lawn is a very beautiful 
slope, descending from the Hotel to the Spring 
some 300 yards, and is well shaded by fine 
indigenous trees. Altogether, it is an interest- 
ing spot, and affords to the weary traveller, 
after a long day's journey, a sweet haven of 
repose and quietude, from whence he may re- 
trace, with his mind's eye, the magnificent 
scenery he has just passed, and especially that 
most sublime of all the creations of Nature in 
31* 



366 SPRINGS OP WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

Virginia — the passage of the James River 
through the Blue Ridge Mountain. This 
scene is incomparably finer than that at Har- 
per's Ferry ; but magnificent as it appears 
from the road, it must be inconceivably more 
so from the bed of the river. It is through 
this wonderful gorge that the great James 
River and Kanawha Canal is to pass, and we 
venture to predict that this scene alone will be 
worth to the company tens of thousands. 

In our enthusiasm we had almost forgotten 
the Natural Bridge. Of the latter it is impos- 
sible to convey any adequate description ; it 
must be seen to be appreciated ; but let the 
reader loiter under or over this great arch for 
an hour or two, and after partaking of a sub- 
stantial dinner with the Pontifex, if so we 
may call the important personage who sup- 
plies bacon and beans, let him wind his on- 
ward way under the cone of the Garden Moun- 
tain, and our word for it, he will find the kind 
attentions, the delightful fare, and comfortable 
lodgings of our friend, Mr. Dibrell, irresistible 
inducements to rest for a few days. 

The Sulphur water at this place is said to 
be efficacious in several diseases, but on this 



DAGGER'S, OR D1BRELI/S SPRING. 367 

head we have no information within our reach 
on which reliance may be placed. It bears 
some similarity to the White and Blue Sul- 
phur waters, and is probably in some degree 
applicable to the same class of diseases. 

Within the last three years, this Spring has 
reverted to Mr. Watkins, from whom, we be- 
lieve, it was purchased by Mr. Dibrell. We 
hear it is well kept, and attracts a due share 
of custom. 



368 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



ALUM SPRINGS. 

These Springs are situated in Rockbridge 
County, on the main road from Lexington to 
the Warm Springs, about 17 miles from the 
former, and 20 miles from the latter. The lo- 
cation is a narrow valley, between the North 
Mountain on the east, and the Mill Mountain 
on the west. You descend into it, from the 
high-road, by a steep and narrow road, and 
you think you are then fairly within the south 
pole, for if you desire to emerge again, you 
must come out through the same hole by 
which you entered. The cleared space, in- 
cluding a meadow to the north of the build- 
ings, is fifteen acres ; so, it will be perceived, 
there is not much room for circumambulation, 
unless, indeed, you are as fond of climbing as 
the caprine race. 

The buildings for the accommodation of 
visiters are a frame house of two stories, con- 
taining a dining-room, a parlour, dancing-hall, 
and several lodging-rooms, and at either end 



ALUM SPRINGS. 369 

are six cabins, containing each two rooms. 
The centre building immediately fronts the 
Springs, and is about sixty yards distant. 
There is a broad walk from one to the other, 
and a circular road or walk for carriages to ap- 
proach the door ; but, with these exceptions, 
the grounds are pretty much as they came 
from the hands of nature. The hill, at the 
base of which are the Springs, forms a grace- 
ful curve of almost mathematical regularity, 
and is about 100 feet high. It was so nearly 
perpendicular at some former time as to have 
produced an avalanche of the soil, which de- 
nuded a stratum of slate-rock some sixty feet 
in height, with a north-eastern dip. At the 
bottom, three basins have been picked out, 
and into these, inaptly called Springs, oozes 
the water through the interstices of the rock. 

In dry weather, the supply is very scanty. 
A hundred persons might drink them dry ; but 
in wet weather they afford an abundance, and, 
contrary to all other waters, are then strong- 
est; for the rain water acts as a solvent of 
the mineral which seems incorporated with 
the whole formation. The water is in de- 
mand from a distance, and is sold by the pro- 



370 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

prietors at $4 per bbl. Some take selected 
pieces of the rock, which they pound and put 
into rain water. By this process, it is said, a 
water equally efficient is prepared, and we 
doubt not such is the fact. Pills are also made 
of the residuum after boiling, which seem to 
possess most of the virtues of the water. 
They dissolve slowly in the mouth, and it ap- 
pears to us this would be a more judicious 
mode of using them than swallowing them 
entire. No analysis has yet appeared of this 
water. Besides alum, it certainly contains 
copperas, and is supposed also to contain 
magnesia. Many wonderful tales are told 
of cases of scrofula cured by the water. Ma- 
king due allowance for exaggeration, (and 
we imagine there has been a good deal of it 
in this case,) there must have been several 
well-authenticated cases of relief, if not of 
cure ; and to persons afflicted with that un- 
manageable disease, it is certainly worthy of a 
trial. We met there an able physician of the 
U. S. Navy, who expressed confidence in its 
powers. We also saw a friend who has vis- 
ited the place annually, for several years, with 
his family, members of whom had derived 



ALUM SPRINGS. 371 

great benefit. We can readily believe that it 
would be a useful remedy in cutaneous erup- 
tions, and in some forms of diarrhoea ; but it 
is now recommended for liver complaints, and 
all other complaints, from the beginning to the 
end of the catalogue. So far from being gen- 
eral in its application, we should consider it as 
the water least capable of being profitably em- 
ployed in any variety of diseases, of all the 
waters in the mountains. Here we found 
persons who were drinking twenty or more 
glasses a day of an agent confessedly very 
powerful for good or for evil. Surely this is an 
abuse, and can result in no advantage. 

The establishment, which is calculated to 
accommodate about eighty persons', (though 
the number has exceeded a hundred,) is owned 
by a family of the name of Campbell. Two 
brothers leased the ground for a term of 
years, at the expiration of which it reverts, 
with all the improvements, to the heirs, of 
whom we learn there are eight. It is not prob- 
able that the improvements will ever be much 
more extensive than they are at present ; in- 
deed, the character of the locality, the want 
of arable or pasture land, and the difficulty of 



372 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

procuring supplies, will prevent its growth. 
The Mill Mountain, eight miles on one side 
without a habitation, and the North Mountain 
on the other, have to be crossed in order to 
hunt up supplies for the company that now 
frequents it. The fare is wholesome, but plain, 
and indifferently served. It is the old style of 
mountain cooking ; well enough for a hungry 
hearty man, but not very inviting to an in- 
valid. The private cook of a plain farmer in 
the mountains of Virginia cannot be supposed 
competent to cook for 100 persons, who have 
been accustomed to neat and comfortable liv- 
ing. We would therefore urge upon the 
Messrs. Campbell the importance of making a 
change in this department of their household ; 
and we hope they will not take it amiss, when 
we advise a little more care in helping their 
guests. No matter how good the meat may 
be, nor how well cooked, if you cut it as you 
would for a dog, you get no credit for its qual- 
ity ; indeed, we noticed this to be a very gen- 
eral fault at the Springs we visited, and we 
desire to be understood as throwing out the 
hint for all such as are careless in this partic- 
ular. They have fallen on another plan, too. 



ALUM SPRINGS. 373 

of helping a man so scantily that a very mod- 
erate eater can dispose of the whole in one 
morsel : this is ridiculous and annoying. A 
man dislikes to be sending his plate repeatedly 
away, and is justly irritated. 

We found the Messrs. Campbell sufficiently 
obliging, and their sister, who attended to the 
female department; seemed a kind, motherly 
woman. The plan on which the establish- 
ment seems to be conducted is to do all they can 
within themselves. It is the true plan, and the 
only one by which money can be saved : but 
yetj there are certain things indispensable, and 
if they cannot be supplied from within, they 
should be sought for abroad. We have very 
little doubt that this place has made more 
clear money than places of much greater pre- 
tension. If these gentlemen keep a neat, com- 
fortable house, we are sure they will do a 
profitable business. 

32 



374 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



FAUGIUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 

As the epicure leaves the most delicate mor- 
sel for the last, so we have reserved for the 
last place in our book the description of this 
most charming establishment ; and having 
thus, contrary to our original design, entered 
upon the Springs of Eastern Virginia, we 
will probably, at some future day, embrace all 
the others, and perhaps the Bedford Springs of 
Pennsylvania. On the 19th of July, 1844, 
after an early breakfast, a horseman, accompa- 
nied by a young lady, also mounted on her pal- 
frey, left the comfortable Hotel at Fredericks- 
burg, and crossing the Bridge to Falmouth, 
took the road leading to the Springs. The 
road for several miles from Falmouth was 
rough and the scenery uninteresting. At the 
end of twelve miles, they reached a very plain 
frame house, whitewashed, and, at some little 
distance, looking as if the occupant had, be- 
nevolently, bored holes all over it, for those 
gay little annual visiters, the martens. A 



FAUaiTIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 375 

nearer view, however, exhibited the reality, 
which was nothing more than circular black 
spots made with lampblack, on the whitewash- 
ed boards. The notion was queer, and the 
travellers deeming it probable that the Spotted 
Tavern might not only afford them shelter 
from a burning sun, but also some amusement, 
determined to dismount, and explore the prem- 
ises. Reining up their steeds, two lusty ne- 
gresses, who had been scouring the porch with 
all their might, came forward and took charge 
of the horses, and a blast from a horn soon 
brought up the ostler. Entering the house, 
the travellers were agreeably surprised by the 
neat appearance of every thing around them. 
The floor, the furniture, the snow-white table- 
cloth, the clean tea-things, the nice biscuits 
and cool, fresh butter, all, all were most invit- 
ing. The travellers did ample justice to a sec- 
ond breakfast. How refreshing it is to one, 
who has been living in the city, to get into a 
nice country house. You are so much at your 
ease, your spirits are so calmed and tranquil- 
lized. Where, too, but in the country, can 
you get a draught of clear, cool water from the 
limpid spring, or deep well ? Certainly, not 



376 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

in Richmond, where you have to pay ten dol- 
lars a year for the privilege of swallowing 
mud. A well-bred horse, in the country, 
would refuse to drink such water as a Christian 
people are taxed for in the metropolis of Vir- 
ginia. 

After a day spent most agreeably, partly 
under a beautiful arbour, the travellers mount- 
ed for White Ridge, distant about eight miles. 
The view of the mountains in approaching 
this place was pleasing, and they had formed 
altogether favourable anticipations. The host 
and hostess were kind, but not very well pre- 
pared to entertain travellers. The little up- 
stairs rooms in which they were sent to lodge 
were so suffocating, that after throwing open 
his window, the elder traveller lay across his 
bed, with his head on the window-sill, to try 
and inhale a little fresh air ; while his more 
delicate companion was suffering all the tor- 
tures which such an atmosphere could inflict. 
How they rejoiced at " the morning's first 
beam." How hurriedly they huddled on their 
clothes, and descended to the porch, and look- 
ed out upon the distant hills, and inhaled the 
balmy air. Here, too, they exclaimed, is the 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 377 

lovely country ; but it is distance alone that 
lends it enchantment ; so, let us mount and 
bieakfast in Germantown. The travellers 
did mount, and entertained themselves by 
speculating on the subject of Germantown : 
how many stores and blacksmiths' shops and 
taverns were in this imaginary village. They 
were told that after riding ten miles they must 
turn off a little from the main road, and hav- 
ing followed directions, they arrived in due 
time at Germantown. Suddenly burst upon 
the view the Germantown Inn, alone in its 
glory. It was a frame house, Low Dutch in 
appearance, having a neglected air, and the best- 
looking furniture it possessed seemed to consist 
of white-headed children. The travellers or- 
dered breakfast, paid for it, ate nothing ', and 
again to horse and away ten miles, under a 
scorching sun, for the White Sulphur ; where 
they arrived about noon, hungry, thirsty, and 
exhausted. It is only adventures and contrasts, 
such as those travellers encountered, that 
can give zest to country excursions. A cit. 
leaves Boston and is whirled along with his 
head swimming all the time, and though he 
passes magnificent scenery and lovely villages, 
32* 



378 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

so far as enjoyment is concerned, he had as 
well be blind. In a few hours, he reaches Al- 
bany, is treading upon India matting, sipping 
sherbet, smoking his cigar, and looking dig- 
nity. Again, crack goes the driver's whip, 
and he is rolled along in a fine coach, and 
struts his little hour upon the stage at Sarato- 
ga. Who meets him here? The same man 
to whom, two days ago, he sold $10,000 worth 
of rail-road stock, in Boston. Ha ! Smart, 
are yon here ? spending your profits on that 
speculation, I suppose ? $500 — that is all I 
made — Gulley, nothing to talk about. What 
news ? eh ! the Great Western arrived — 
cotton flat — bread-stuffs looking up — rail-roads 
in England all the rage — and here ? Oh ! 
here, the centre of attraction is Miss Flora 
Roseneath— cool $250,000, and 150 darkies ; 
and Miss Julia Winterblossom, sole heiress to 
a great shoe-manufacturer at Lynn — only 
half a million ! Ton my soul, Smart, good 
stock this! Suppose, we try a hand — have 
you any qualms about the woollies? You 
know I am somewhat of an abolitionist ; so, 
here is for Lynn and Julia. She has, indeed, a 
few carbuncles on her cheeks, but the essence 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 379 

of gold-dust is a fine cosmetic, and will pre- 
sently heal them. Well, Gulley, agreed : 
Miss Flora and the darkies, against Julia and 
the brogans. A pair of pumps to the winner, 
eh ! a bargain, a bargain : and thus the spec- 
ulators in stocks become speculators in matri- 
mony. Such is Saratoga, and such a great 
portion of the materiel of which its society is 
made up. That materiel wants, and ever 
will want, the enchanting simplicity of man- 
ner, dignity of deportment, and air of true 
gentility, founded on benevolence and forget- 
fulness of self, which distinguish nature's gen- 
tleman from the mere cockney and pretender. 
We are fully aware that the elite of American 
society annually assemble, in large numbers, 
at Saratoga. From all points of the compass 
they flock to that fashionable resort. But we 
assert that there is more of the pure ore, and 
less alloy to be met with, in the society annu- 
ally visiting our watering-places, than is to be 
met with north of the Susquehanna. The 
day may come when, through the agency of 
rail-roads, it will be otherwise ; but, sufficient 
for the day is the evil thereof; meantime, let 
us enjoy the blessings within our reach, and 



380 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

not forget the claims of the beautiful Fauquier 
Springs. 

It appears from a report now before us, that 
the "medicinal qualities of the Mineral Spring 
were known and highly appreciated in the 
neighbourhood, long before it became an ob- 
ject of general resort. The resort of the 
neighbourhood was constant and persevering, 
and caused such interruption to the farm 
operations of the former proprieters as in- 
duced one of them to fill up the Spring ; but 
so clearly had its value been established, as in- 
duced Mr. Lee to purchase it with a view to 
open it to the public. His experiment was at 
first on a small scale, but the throng of visiters 
soon demonstrated the expediency of more ex- 
tended operations, and a greater outlay of cap- 
ital. Mr. Green united with Mr. Lee in the 
enterprise. They have planned and executed 
improvements, better calculated to promote the 
comfort and please the taste of visiters, than 
are to be found at any other watering-place in 
the State. The buildings already constructed 
might accommodate 800 guests, and are so 
contrived as to admit of indefinite enlargement 
without deranging the symmetry of the plan. 7 ' 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 381 

The improvements are — a Pavilion, 188 
feet long and four stories high, with a grand 
Portico on its western aspect, overlooking the 
lawn and a long line of diversified country. 
We have seen nothing of the kind to compare 
with this magnificent promenade ; we mean, 
of course, in the country. On the eastern as- 
pect, it was the design of the proprietors to 
erect a similar Portico, and to connect that 
front by means of an arch with another Pa- 
vilion east of it, 100 feet long and four stories 
high ; but when the timbers were all ready, 
the workshop was destroyed by fire, and this 
part of the design remaining unexecuted, 
gives an unfinished appearance to this front 
of the great Pavilion. We trust that, one 
day or other, the original plan will be carried 
out, and sure we are, that if its projector, 
Thomas Green, Esq., becomes again largely 
interested in the property, his fine taste as 
well as good judgment will insure its com- 
pletion. Besides the two great pavilions just 
described, there are two large brick buildings, 
three stories high — two others, 56 feet long 
each, and two stories high — and twelve other 
brick buildings, 56 feet long each — (all covered 



382 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

with slate except one) — the Bath-house and 
the Spring House. All these improvements 
and 1184 acres of land, together with a 
tract of 1750 acres, lying south of the Rap- 
pahannock River, were conveyed in August, 
1837, to a company in 2500 shares at $68 
per share, making for the whole $170,000, 
by the then proprietors, Thomas Green 
and Hancock Lee. By this company it 
has since been held. They have made 
no important improvements since that peri- 
od, and their policy seems to have been to 
keep free of debt and wait for better times. 
Such times are now fast approaching, if 
no wicked experiments again dash the 
cup from the lips, and there is little doubt 
that the investment in this property will 
yield a fair return. The arrangements have 
been much and justly praised. If one who 
can lay but little claim to taste in landscape 
may venture an opinion, he would suggest 
that the grounds are too much broken up 
by walks and shrubbery. The parterre 
style of laying out grounds is now properly 
abandoned. A beautifully green and shaven 



FAUQJJIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 383 

sward, with a great centre-walk, as now, and 
other walks such as convenience might dictate, 
with, here and there, a rose-bush or shrub, 
would be infinitely more pleasing to a cultiva- 
ted taste, than all the superfluous ornaments, 
that now, like flounces and French millinery, 
hide its symmetry and elegance. If the com- 
pany would act upon this hint, and, placing a 
simple but beautiful Pagoda on the summit 
of the lovely western hill, immediately in 
front of the centre of the Pavilion, would 
transfer to that place some of the shrubbery 
now in the way, and improve the grounds in 
that direction by well-graded walks, furnished 
with rustic lounges and resting-places for pe- 
destrians, and make a handsome drive for 
those who are ambitious to display a fine 
equipage, all which could be done at a mod- 
erate expense, we know of no place that may 
vie with the Fauquier Springs. 

The interior arrangements of the Pavilions 
and Cabins are well calculated to afford com- 
fort. The ball-room, drawing-room, dining- 
room, and parlours, are all spacious and suita- 
bly furnished. We must, nevertheless, say, 
that at the time of our visit, when the com- 



384 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

pany did not exceed fifty, we were greatly dis- 
appointed in the appearance of the table. 
The table-cloth was coarse, and not of snowy 
whiteness ; the china chipped and broken ; 
the knives and forks neither sharp nor well 
cleaned, and there were other signs of a " fall- 
ing off/' which we could have wished had not 
been so palpable. We deem this miserable 
economy, and hope it has been corrected. 

Mr. Ward, the manager of the establish- 
ment, is an amiable and kind landlord, and 
we are sure he is disposed to do all in his pow- 
er to make his guests comfortable ; but he can- 
not do it if stinted in the means. A certain 
degree of style in living is expected at a place, 
the exterior of which is so imposing, and it is 
true policy to maintain appearances all through 
the establishment. The encouragement held 
out to the company by the success of last sea- 
son will, no doubt, induce them to supply 
every thing essential to comfort. 

No analysis of this water, of an authentic 
character, has been made public. It neither 
possesses saline matter nor sulphuretted hydro- 
gen in as large quantities as the Western 
White Sulphur, nor is it comparable to it as a 



FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRING. 385 

medicinal agent: but there are cases to which 
the latter is unsuited that would be benefited 
here ; certainly, it would be a more rational 
plan to use this or some other milder water 
than to drink stale water in the county of 
Greenbrier or Boston. We are well satisfied 
that this water is valuable in Dyspepsia. It 
is light, and feels comforting to the stomach in 
most instances. With the aid of a little blue 
mass, it will also be found useful in exciting to 
action a torpid condition of the liver, and we 
can readily suppose that it may prove useful in 
dropsy and several diseases for which resort is 
had to Sulphur waters. There is here a 
most comfortable Bathing establishment, which 
greatly enhances the advantages it presents in 
other matters, and those advantages must in- 
sure to this place a steadily increasing custom, 
and cause it to rank in point of numbers and 
fashion among the first of the Virginia Springs. 
33 



386 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 



TAVERNS. 

The notice we took of the " Spotted Tav- 
ern," on the road to Fauquier Springs, was in- 
cidental. It was not our intention to touch on 
this subject, lest we might do injustice to some 
of those who deserve well of travellers by 
keeping comfortable and neat accommodation 
along the different routes to the Virginia 
Springs. Of the houses on the road from Guy- 
andotte to White Sulphur, we know nothing; 
but presume, as it has been so long the great 
stage route, they are good. On the road from 
Lynchburg to Sweet Springs, there is a de- 
lightful house kept at New London, by Mr. 
Eccoles. The house at Liberty is an excel- 
lent house ; at Beaufort's, plentiful and neat : 
at Fincastle, the tavern is, or was, well kept 
by Mr. Lancaster ; and we found the stage- 
house, kept by Scott, west of Price's Mount- 
ain, a very good house. The Eagle Hotel, at 
Charlottesville, we found admirably kept, this 
last summer ; Cocke's is an old stand, well 



TAVERNS. 387 

known ; the rooms and beds are comfortable, and 
the servants attentive. The fare is such as is 
usually found at stage-houses — the same now 
it was fifteen years ago. The house is neat, 
and comfortably furnished. Brookville Tav- 
ern is said to be well kept, as also the house 
of Mrs. Jones, in Waynesboro'. 

The houses west of Staunton are pretty 
much on a par, with the exception we shall 
notice by-and-by. The houses at Winchester, 
Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, and Staunton, are 
quite respectable, and afford the traveller much 
comfort. There is, on the road from Waynes- 
boro' to Lexington, a house at Greensville, kept 
by a Mr. Smith, which is most comfortable. 
This family know what good living is, and 
are kind and attentive. There are two other 
houses in the village, said also to be very 
good. The stage-house, and only house at 
Lexington, we found crowded, as w r e were told 
it usually is, in summer. It is kept by Mr. 
Sloan, a very kind and agreeable man. The 
fare w r as moderately good, but the servants 
either had too much to do, or were incompetent. 

There are, on the road from Charlottesville 
to White Sulphur, two localities so favourable 



388 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VTRGINIA. 

as resting-places for the weary traveller, that 
we cannot pass them over without a more ex- 
tended notice. In doing this, we are altogether 
influenced by the desire to benefit the traveller, 
and not by any disposition to invidiously dis- 
criminate. The houses to which we refer are 
the Mountain Top and CallaghanJs. 

The house on Mountain Top is on the 
western slope of the Blue Ridge, at Rock-fish 
Gap, and about 150 yards from the summit. 
Above it, rises a cone of the mountain incli- 
ning southwest ; and to the northeast is an- 
other conical mountain, both several hundred 
feet higher than the house. The view from 
the Road-summit or Gap, commanding a va- 
ried prospect of mountains, forests, and cultiva- 
ted plains, is, indeed, very fine. In the morn- 
ing, you may see the glorious God of day emerg- 
ing from his curtains of purple and gold, and 
shaking from his locks the dewy drops of Ocean, 
and with a benign radiance illuming the wel- 
coming features of his fruitful sister. Here, 
again, at mellow evening, you may see him 
descending in majestic dignity beneath . the 
great Appalachian Mountains, gilding, in his 
descent, the green forests and fleecy clouds, 



TAVERNS. 389 

creating a thousand fanciful shapes of castles 
and giants, old ladies with high caps, graceful 
giraffes and clumsy elephants. But the view 
from the point designated is limited in com- 
parison with those that may be obtained by 
ascending, as we did, the impending cone, by 
a path which admits of riding within a few 
yards of the summit. On the hill-side we 
found a finely-set crop of clover, and near the 
top a cow, that seemed indignantly to frown 
upon us, and silently to say, " Thou intruder, 
what doest thou here V At the highest clear- 
ed point was a cluster of disjointed sand-rocks, 
in the centre of which rose a sturdy oak, which 
seemed to bid defiance to the tempests ; yet 
the tempests came and shattered one of its 
arms, while the humble and shrinking shrub- 
bery around it remained undamaged : so it is 
in human life ; those who expose themselves 
to its tempestuous hurricanes, must, indeed, be 
clad in panoply, if they escape unscathed ; 
while the gentle and retiring are sheltered 
from its frowns and its malice. The former 
may be greater benefactors of society, the lat- 
ter are more happy within themselves. Care- 
fully observing there was no rattlesnake in 
33* 



390 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

juxtaposition, we seated ourself upon the 
highest crag, and thence viewed two-thirds of 
the horizon. Having already given expres- 
sion to our feelings on similar occasions, we 
will not fatigue the reader by a repetition ; suf- 
fice it say, that if any one shall think proper to 
follow in our footsteps, he will be amply repaid 
by the scene which we witnessed. Let him 
go alone, too, and feel that there is nothing 
but the pure canopy of Heaven above him, 
and no eye that can look down upon him, but 
that of his God. 

Our object in dwelling upon the glorious 
prospects afforded by this place, has been to 
attract to it public attention ; but we should 
do great injustice were we to pass, in silence, 
its other advantages. A purer air never 
breathed on this earth than fans the apart- 
ments of this Mountain House, which is, in- 
deed, admirably divided and adapted for the 
entertainment of families. If we are not mis- 
taken, it was built, with that view, by the 
late Dr. Adams, of Richmond, a man who was 
in advance of the age in which he lived, whose 
plans, during his life, were scoffed at by puny 
minds, but who 3 if he had lived to the present 



TAVERNS. 391 

day. might see their merit appropriated by per- 
sons who. when he digested those plans, were 
in the womb of time, or. at least, in petticoats. 
We remember when this house was neatly 
kept by the Misses Madison. After that pe- 
riod, being owned by a bachelor. Mr. Leake, it 
was. for several years, not open for entertain- 
ment Lately, however, it has been opened 
by the brother of Mr. Leake, and is now kept 
in the neatest and most comfortable manner. 
Here the traveller will rind good bread, both 
corn and wheat bread, nice biscuits, good tea 
and coffee, well-cooked meats, and a delight- 
fully neat-spread table. He will have a tine 
airy chamber, a sweet bed. a pure atmosphere, 
cool porticoes and passages, and a giant walnut 
tree, under the shade of which he may swing 
himself to sleep in an old-fashioned arm-chair. 
This house is distant from Weyers Cave only 
twelve miles, and is a convenient spot from 
which to visit that celebrated freak of nature, 
and from it maybe taken various pleasant ex- 
cursions through the neio-hbourino; valleys. 
Taking all these advantages into considera- 
tion, and moreover, the excellence of the pure 
freestone water, and the use of a ofood cha- 



392 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

lybeate water, and last, though not least, the 
kind attention of the host and hostess, we do 
trust that Mountain Top will not be passed 
without a look by the traveller. 

Come we now to Callagharils. This house 
is situated in an interesting valley, on the 
north fork of Dunlap's Creek, and at the in- 
tersection of the great eastern and western 
road, with those to Covington and the Sweet 
Springs. It would be impossible for any loca- 
tion to be more favourable for a public house, 
and, accordingly, it has always been a great 
resort of travel. It was originally owned and 
kept by Dennis Callaghan, an honest, blunt 
old Irishman, of whose witty drolleries many 
are recollected and repeated by the more elder- 
ly travellers. The property is now owned by 
his son, an amiable, unassuming man, though 
as far beyond his father, in cultivation, as Dio- 
medes was beyond Tydeus in war. In no es- 
tablishment west of the Blue Ridge has the 
march of improvement been more visible than 
at this. The house is, all through, neat and 
clean and suitably furnished, and the fare is 
most excellent. Reader, if you have never 
eaten fried chicken at Callaghan's, then you 



TAVERNS. 393 

do not know the luxury of fried chicken. No 
French cook can touch it. There is a deli- 
cacy about it which you will say you never 
experienced before. Perfectly done — it is un- 
scorched, white, plump, tender, delicious. It 
makes our mouth water at the distance of 200 
miles. It is not worth a journey across the 
Atlantic, but if it were at Harpers Ferry, it 
would make the scene more picturesque : it is 
the ambrosia of meats — a food which Gany- 
mede may feel proud of serving. "We could 
give you a recipe for preparing it, but we fear 
you would not follow directions, and you 
would then imagine we are "romancing" Far 
from it. we assure you ; but this is not all : we 
defy Hebe herself to serve up nectar equal to 
Callaghan's milk ; it is the essence of milk. 
We will lead you a little into the secret of its ex- 
cellence. First, then, the cows are fed plenti- 
fully on sweet grass and wholesome proven- 
der, well salted and attended : secondly, the 
spring-house is of equal temperature, and it 
and the vessels kept neat and pure ; thirdly, 
it is never skimmed for table use ; but the 
morning's milk is used for dinner and supper, 
and the cream is diffused through it by gently 



394 SPRINGS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. 

whisking it. In like manner, the night's milk 
is used in the morning, and all extravagance 
apart, there is no milk superior to Callaghan's 
on the broad earth. Here, too, the traveller 
will find a species of bread vulgarly called salt- 
rising, which will cure dyspepsia, if any thing 
can. The table is always supplied with ten- 
der venison steak and other delicacies, a* id, 
upon the whole, this is one of the best public 
houses any where to be met with in the coun- 
try. When you visit Callaghan's, kind read- 
er, after journeying through our book, or 
drinking stale water with Dr. Moorman, the 
best thing we can wish you is a good appetite, 
which we do with all our heart. 

Adieu. 



THE END. 



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